Emma Pritchard

Until 2022, Paul Jackson and his teenage stepson Gideon Litchfield both played table tennis in their garage until a new sport being advertised on social media caught their attention.

And they decided to give it a go.

They bought paddles, balls, and a portable net, and began to play in their driveway, instantly hooked by how easy it was to have a few good rallies with one another while enjoying a physical work out.

Fast forward to 2024, and the duo are prolific pickleball players who recently enjoyed success at the 2023 Northern Rivers Doubles Tournament in Ballina in the Under 50s Under 3.0 skill level Men’s Doubles.

And they want everyone to know how fantastic the sport is.

“I’ve played most sports, and at age 57 I had given up playing team sports, but along came Pickleball,” Mr Jackson said.

“Gideon has played soccer and table tennis at home with me.

“When we started playing pickleball we both found out how enjoyable it was and now we play every afternoon.”

“I love how easy it (pickleball) was to learn,” Gideon said.

“Having great rallies and playing in tournaments, it keeps me fit and wanting more.”

Born with Global Development Delay (GDD), Gideon has always loved sport and excelled in pickleball from the moment he first picked up his paddle.

After watching his stepson readily embrace new opportunities and demonstrate his pickleball skills in local competitions, Mr Jackson was inspired to form the Grafton Pickleball Club.

And he is warmly encouraging new members to join.

“We now are holding three sessions per week at the Grafton PCYC every Tuesday (social play) from 3-6pm, Thursday (skills, drills and game play) from 6:30-8am, and Saturday, which is our competition day from 12-2pm,” he said.

All ages and abilities are welcome.

Equipment and coaching are also provided for $5.50 per session.

“Already we have 50 players who attend through the week,” Mr Jackson said.

“It’s a massive growth sport and when you play it you can see why.  

“Pickleball has such an appeal to all ages of all abilities.

“We are very confident the sport is here to stay and we’re very excited to see it expand this year.”

For further information about the Grafton Pickleball Club, please contact Mr Jackson on 0426964876, Grafton PCYC on 02 5622 4020, or visit the Pickleball Grafton Facebook page.