Game On! Bribie Pickleball Club unveils brand-new courts

By Chase Christensen 

The Bribie Pickleball Club is excited to take to the court at their new purpose-built facility at Cosmos Park. After many years spent advocating for this development, they will finally see the fruits of their labours in a few short months. This is a new initiative that is set to bolster the club, which is already growing rapidly. 

The club’s media and promotion manager Tracey Stoppard is fired up about progress on the courts, due to be completed this July.  

“The new courts are looking great!” she said. 

The backstory of the Bribie Pickleball Club is a heart-warming one. The sport was introduced to a willing group of friends at the 40th wedding anniversary of Adele and Harry Fielding. The group was as eager as a child on Christmas morning to develop the game in their local area. 

New courts 

In 2018, Bribie Island U3A assisted the young club by allowing Harry to offer a short introductory course, following an inaugural “open day” on vacant netball courts. From there, the rest is history, as the Bribie Pickleball Club now has more than 150 members. The Fielding couple certainly reached unbelievable heights in their unexpected journey to grow a sport that they hadn’t even heard of until after 40 years of marriage. 

Harry remains a part of the coaching team and has recently been joined by Richard Henkel, where they help beginners pick up the game. 

“Bribie Pickleball Club is evolving,” Tracey said. “Congratulations to Richard Henkel for completing his Community Coaching Accreditation to introduce beginners to pickleball in the community.  “Richard is a great addition to our current coaching team, with Harry Fielding as our long-time ‘on-the-ground instructor’ with the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association). This is also recognised by the Pickleball Australia Association.” 

The club has something for everyone — whether you’re a competitor, just like to have some fun, or enjoy a bit of both. Bribie Pickleball Club offers competitive and “all player” sessions. It also hosts sessions for the kids, ladies and beginners. Beginners can attend sessions on any day between Tuesday and Friday each week between the hours of 7.30am–9.30am at Sunderland Drive Skate Park. Further sessions, including games at Bribie Island State High School, can be found on the club’s official Facebook page, @Bribie Pickleball Club. 

One of the highlights of the club is its affordability. Members who play morning sessions at Sunderland Drive pay just $3 per session and $6 for non-members, while it’s a low $7 for members and $10 for non-members per session at Bribie Island State High School. 

The community should unquestionably be excited about the progression of the Bribie Pickleball Club. Joining with friends and family is sure to be a lot of fun, and supporting a local organisation — especially one with such a beautiful backstory — is what community spirit is all about.