​The U3A Pickleball games have soared ahead since starting up a trial run late last year.  The amount of interest has been extraordinary, with at least 40 people on our class list.

Most members are liking the opportunity of coming along whenever they can, in between holidays away and many other commitements.  

Another four locals turned up to see what Pickleball was all about recently and can't wait to sign up with U3A Benalla and continue with our pickleball games.

Jan Kennedy
Pickleball Convenor
0421 679 115

We continue to enjoy good attendance, with everyone keen to keep playing throughout the year. Pickleball provides a great opportunity for weekly exercise and social connection. No experience is necessary—just ‘come on down’, see what it's all about and have some fun! 
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Mondays 9:30 to 11am, Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.  

Due to changes at the Indoor Recreation Centre, Pickleball was cancelled for the first four Mondays in June and resumed on 29th June.  Our enthusiastic regulars were there in full force! 

​Please note that Pickleball is now scheduled from 9:30 to 11:00 each Monday, allowing time for members who play Mahjong or the Ukulele to leave in time for their classes.  

Jan Kennedy

A reminder to Pickleball members that the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre will be closed from 7.30 am on the 1st of June 2026 for Floorboard Refurbishment.  The tendered works will include floor sanding, board replacement, line marking and painting on Court 1, 2, 3 and foyer.  As a result, there will be no Pickleball on 1, 8 , 15 and 22nd June.  All being well, Pickleball will resume on Monday 29th June!

Wendy Dean

Pickleball is going from strength to strength!  So many keen players are still turning up for fun and fitness. 

We are all starting to understand the rules and able to help introduce new members to the game. 
  
Easter Monday will go ahead as most people didn’t want to miss out on their regular Monday Pickleball game. 
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Jan Kennedy
0421 679 115

Pickleball began this year with our players from last year and just as many new participants, all keen to give it a go.   

New sets of equipment were needed to accommodate the numbers.
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It’s good to see such a keen group of people enjoying the game and keeping fit while having fun.

Thanks to Wendy Dean for offering to be co-convenor and for opening now at 9.30 am for those who need to leave a bit earlier to join other U3A activities.
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Anyone interested in joining us, we’d love to see you at the Indoor Recreation Centre from 9.30 am on Monday mornings.

Jan Kennedy
0421 679 115

After a successful trial period in late 2025, Pickleball commenced on Monday 2 February at 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue.  It is held weekly from 10 to 11 am, with the opportunity of a catch-up coffee afterwards for those who can stay on. 

Jan Kennedy

Well, after having a brief chat with Margaret Jenkins about running U3A Pickleball, Margaret followed up with Course Coordinator Anne Nelson and the committee and a trial run was planned!

Through word of mouth we gathered enough locals, received permission to purchase equipment, and after a meeting with Benalla’s recreation hall hire management, a date was set - 10am Monday 3rd November!

Anne Nelson purchased the needed nets and equipment and Bev Lee publicised the group in the last newsletter, on the website and on Facebook.  Rene Martens arrived super early with his camera to help with the set-up and take photos.. Soon, 14 players were having a hit. Lots of fun was had; and on the 10th we had 16 people, while on the 17th a keen dozen came along.

​We’ve decided we’ll break up on Monday 15th December and recommence when everything starts back in 2026.
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If anyone else wants to try this game, just come to the Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly  Avenue on Monday mornings at 10am and join in.  Phone me on 0421 679 115 if you have any questions!

Jan Kennedy

​Interested in trialling Pickleball? After a fun 'come and try' session on Monday 3rd November, weekly sessions at 10 am on Mondays to mid December are providing the opportunity to try out U3A Benalla's new pickleball equipment and the courts we will be using at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue in 2026.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court like a badminton court, using a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with players aiming to score points by outmanoeuvring their opponents and hitting the ball over a 34-inch-high net. Known for its simple rules and accessibility, pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

The rules of Pickleball are being handed out to those attending the Monday sessions, however while you are on the website, check out https://www.pickleballaus.org/rules-and-scoring and watch this video.....

Keen to find out more about the rules and scoring? ... Here's another video ...

​Contact Jan on 0421 679 115 if you would like to be involved!