Social Pickleball began in Kingscliff in September 2020 on an unused tennis court at the Kingscliff Tennis Club. The club was looking for a new activity to encourage growth, as part of an undertaking to diversify and broaden it’s appeal to the community. Social Pickleball was the ideal fit.
Starting with a small group of players with two portable nets, social Pickleball sessions were played twice a week. Numbers steadily increased through 2021-22, and with the approval of the tennis club and support of Tweed Council it was decided in 2022 to convert the tennis court into two dedicated Pickleball courts.
This was the catalyst for a significant jump in Pickleball players throughout 2022 and 2023. Social play was held almost daily. Beginner classes were started to meet the demand from new players, with Skills and Drills sessions added for existing players.
As a result, the popularity of Pickleball in Kingscliff increased with over 100 regular players by early 2024. Sadly, with the increased popularity came some noise complaints from nearby residents, resulting in Tweed Council suspending play in August 2024. This despite our pleas to transfer to an alternate court away from residents and other measures to help reduce the impact.
The closure of play was a significant setback for our group of Pickleball enthusiasts with alternate venues some distance away. Fortunately, one of our players a school teacher from the Kingscliff High School promoted the idea of playing indoors on 3 Badminton courts in the school hall. After a successful negotiation the local high school hall became our new home.
The Kingscliff Pickleball Club was formed in November 2024 and play at the Kingscliff High School commenced on the 8th February 2025.
