Pickleball ACT serves up a remarkable year of growth, community, and competition

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Australia, with national participation increasing by an incredible 51.57% (Pickleball Australia 2024/25 Annual Report). That momentum hasn’t just been felt nationally, it’s been felt right here in the ACT, where Pickleball ACT has enjoyed a standout year defined by growth, connection, and community energy.

Recently affiliated with Vikings, Pickleball ACT has evolved from a small group of enthusiasts playing in borrowed spaces to one of Canberra’s most dynamic and inclusive sporting communities, and the numbers tell an exciting story.

A club that just keeps growing

Now celebrating its fourth year, Pickleball ACT’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. What started with just 50 members in 2022 quickly gained traction, jumping to 550 by 2024 and soaring to 1,059 members by December 2025. That’s an impressive 92% membership increase in just one year.

President Michael Thompson says the secret to the sport's popularity is simple:

Pickleball is fun, accessible, and easy to pick up. It really is for everyone. Within an hour, you can be playing, having fun, and knowing how to play.

That welcoming approach is reflected in the club’s diverse membership, with players aged 12 to 85, an average age of 53, and more than half (55%) of members identify as female.

To keep the momentum rolling, the club has also secured an ACT Women in Sport Grant, which will see up to 10 female members trained as accredited coaches, who will support players and ensure the club continues to grow.

A year of record-breaking competitions

2025 Australian Masters Games

In October, Pickleball ACT hosted the pickleball competition at the 2025 Australian Masters Games. Over three action-packed days, the Pickledome was buzzing with activity:

  • 453 competitors took to the courts

  • 150 events were played across the weekend

  • Plenty of athletes from other sports picked up a paddle for the very first time

ACT Pickleball Championships – the biggest event yet

The momentum continued in December, when Pickleball ACT hosted its largest tournament ever, the ACT Pickleball Championships, attracting 526 players across the weekend from ACT, NSW, VIC and QLD.

With divisions ranging from Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles to Singles events and Hybrid divisions for players with physical disabilities, the Championships showcased pickleball at its most inclusive.

Strong partnerships, strong pathways

Vikings was excited to welcome Pickleball ACT into our Affiliate Club community in 2024, celebrating a partnership built on a shared love of grassroots sport and community connection. Through both financial and in-kind support, Vikings has been proud to help support more opportunities for juniors, families and new players to pick up a paddle and get involved.

That support is already making a difference, with junior initiatives including:

  • Friday Family Sessions, where children aged 10+ can play for free alongside a family member.

  • Pickleball Summer School sessions are packed with skill development, fun games and a mini competition.

Looking ahead, Pickleball ACT is hoping to introduce dedicated junior-only sessions, creating even more opportunities for young players to learn, play and grow their confidence on court.

The heart and soul of Pickleball ACT

Behind every great community club is a dedicated group of volunteers, and at Pickleball ACT, that heartbeat is loud and proud. The club is powered by more than 100 volunteers, including 14 committee members, who give their time week in and week out.

Volunteers are hugely important. We’re a not-for-profit club run entirely by volunteers, we simply couldn’t operate without them. - Michael Thompson, Pickleball ACT President

That dedication was recently recognised at a federal level, with Denise Arnold (founding member and Vice President) and Ian Boxall (long-time volunteer) awarded Certificates of Recognition by Mr David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean. Denise was acknowledged for her tireless contribution as an original founding member and Vice President, while Ian was recognised for his ongoing volunteer work supporting Pickleball ACT tournaments.

Their recognition reflects the passion and community spirit shared by volunteers across the club, the people who truly make Pickleball ACT what it is.

Join the Pickleball ACT community

Pickleball ACT welcomes players of all ages and abilities, whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking for your next sporting challenge.

Learn more or get involved:

VG