February 2026 - PickleBALL Pulse - Serving Up the Latest Action!

Serving up an action-packed start to a super exciting year, catch all the latest news, updates, and opportunities shaping pickleball across Queensland in this month’s PickleBALL Pulse. From big plans to fresh momentum, this edition is your go-to snapshot of what’s ahead for Pickleball Queensland.

📣 Presidential Paddle Press: 

Big Momentum for Pickleball in Queensland

G’day everyone!  Where did January go?! 

We hope you all enjoyed a well-earned break over Christmas and New Year - and still managed to squeeze in some court time between the festivities (and the humidity!).

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Committee

A big thank you to Kristen White for her outstanding work as Treasurer. While Kristen is stepping back from the role, we’re thrilled she’s continuing on the PAQ Committee. We also extend a huge thanks to Rykie Louw for stepping in and filling the gap - your support is greatly appreciated.

Pickleball Growth Across Queensland

It’s been a massive couple of months for Pickleball Association Queensland. Nationally, pickleball has reached an incredible milestone of 24,000 members, and the Sunshine State has played a big part in that growth. Our community is expanding faster than a Somer Dalla-Bona backhand, with courts buzzing from Cairns to Coolangatta. This energy is exactly what pickleball in Queensland is all about!

2026 Queensland Pickleball Tour: Locked and Loaded

The 2026 Queensland Pickleball Tour is officially on! We’ve expanded to 10 events this year - a huge step forward. The tour kicks off this month in Gold Coast and Gladstone, with registrations already flying in. Whether you’re chasing medals or just enjoying the post-match social vibes, it’s shaping up to be a stellar season. Keep an eye out for the QPC venue announcement in Rykie’s Tournament Report.

Website Updates and Member Feedback

Behind the scenes, we’ve been giving the PAQ website a tidy-up. You may notice it looking sharper and easier to navigate - all designed to help you find what you need faster. As always, member feedback is welcome.

Working Together for More Courts

We remain committed to working respectfully and constructively with our neighbours. Pickleball Australia’s ongoing dialogue with Tennis Australia is a positive step toward creating more courts and more opportunities for people to play - when and where it suits them. At the heart of everything we do, players come first.

A Huge Shout-Out to Our Volunteers

Finally, a massive thank you to our volunteers. While many were enjoying a cold drink in December, you were running sessions and keeping the gates open. We simply couldn’t do this without you.

What’s Next for PAQ?

We’ve got big plans ahead - including progress on permanent facilities, youth development programs, and continued growth of pickleball right across Queensland.

Keep pickling, stay hydrated, and I’ll see you on the court soon!

Dan Johnson
President, Pickleball Association Queensland

🚀Queensland Pickleball is Thriving - Our State of Play Numbers Prove It!

From 6,800+ members to 46 clubs and 23 PCYC venues, our latest State of Play QLD 2026 news captures the incredible growth, energy, and community behind the sport we love.

Let's celebrate the people, clubs, and communities driving one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports. Whether you’re already playing or thinking about giving it a go, now’s the perfect time to get involved.

Curious where we’re headed next?  

Click HERE  to read more, AND join PAQ or your local affiliated QLD club.

🤝 CLUB SUPPORT CORNER – Helping YOUR Club Thrive!

HOT PRESS 🔥: PAQ Grant & Other Funding Sources for Clubs

Grants alert for Queensland clubs! 💰

From Pickleball QLD’s new $1,000 Club Grant to major state funding opportunities worth up to $35k and beyond - 2026 is shaping up as a big year for club support. Find out what’s available, key deadlines, and how to apply. Read more HERE and don’t miss out!

HOT NEWS 🐦‍🔥: Good Sports - Who, What, and Why YOUR Pickleball Club should JOIN!

🏓 Good Sports = Great Clubs!

Want your pickleball club to be safer, stronger, and more welcoming (without extra headaches)? 🙌

Good Sports is a free national program helping clubs across Australia lift their game with practical tools, clear policies, and expert support - from wellbeing and governance to alcohol management and compliance.

If your club is growing (and pickleball definitely is!), this is a no-brainer way to support your volunteers and members, build an inclusive culture, and shine as a community leader.

👉 Read the full article HERE  to see why Good Sports is such a great match for pickleball clubs.

🏆 Game On! Tournament Update:

QPT Pickleball Tour 2026

The QPT Pickleball Tour 2026 is set to deliver an exciting year of pickleball tournaments across Queensland, with 10 tour events scheduled statewide. Find out where we’re playing, who can enter, and how to get involved.

Read the full article 👉HERE for all the QPT Tour details.

🌊 From Courts to Coastline – QPT’s Gladstone Big Tournament Debut is Calling! 

Discover why Gladstone, Queensland is the ultimate pickleball getaway in February 2026!

Sunshine, reef adventures, great food, and a friendly coastal vibe make this tournament more than a competition - it’s a mini-holiday 🏝️.

So, dive into what makes Gladstone the must-play, must-visit hotspot of the season! 

👉 READ MORE for all the cool 😎 info on QPT Gladstone 2026  

🏓 QPT Brisbane 2026 TEASER – A Weekend of Pickleball, Competition & Bayside Fun!

Queensland pickleball fans, mark your calendars! 

The Queensland Pickleball Tour is coming to Redcliffe Tennis & Pickleball Centre from 24–26 April 2026. Over three exciting days, players will compete in singles, gender doubles, and mixed doubles, earn valuable DUPR points, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming tournament atmosphere.

Beyond the courts, Brisbane’s bayside Redcliffe region offers stunning coastal views, scenic walks, fresh seafood, and plenty of attractions - making this event the perfect sport + getaway weekend.

Whether you’re chasing medals, improving your DUPR rating, or meeting new friends in the Queensland pickleball community, this is one tournament you don’t want to miss.

📝 REGISTER TODAY - entries close 10 April 2026, or earlier if full! 

And, for more information, read 🧐📖 our full article 👉 HERE

🏓 From the Tournament Desk: QLD Pickleball Tour News & Updates 

What’s New in Queensland Pickleball? QPT News, QPT Rankings & Championship Updates

February has arrived with serious momentum for pickleball in Queensland! 

From record-breaking numbers registered at QPT Gold Coast (BREAKING NEWS - re-scheduled to July 10-12th due to forecast for severe weather) to two upcoming Queensland Pickleball Tour events in Gladstone and Brisbane/Redcliffe, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a big one. 

We’re also introducing a brand-new QPT Ranking Points System, confirming dates and venue details for the 2026 Queensland Pickleball Championship, and sharing important updates every player needs to know before stepping on court.

Curious about divisions, player responsibilities, or what’s coming next?

Dive 🤿  into this 👉  FULL UPDATE and stay one step ahead this season! 

Rykie Louw 

Chair Queensland Tournaments

Pickleball Association Queensland

📢 QLD Player Spotlight – One to Watch!

From Arana Hills to the world stage, meet Nicola Schoeman - Queensland’s rising pickleball star and the No. 1 ranked DUPR Women's Doubles Junior for 2026.

Queensland pickleball has a remarkable young talent to celebrate, and Nicola’s journey is only just beginning. At just 18 years old, she has already established herself as one of the most exciting young players in Australian pickleball, rising rapidly from local courts near Brisbane to major league drafts, international podiums, and some of the sport’s biggest stages.

Nicola first made history as the youngest-ever draft pick in Major League Pickleball Australia, before going one step further the following year as the No.1 overall pick. She has also played a starring role in Australian pickleball history at the Australian Open Pickleball Slam, helping her team win the inaugural event - and then repeating the feat in a dramatic, nail-biting dreambreaker, sealing victory under immense pressure.

Her success hasn’t stopped at home. Since the launch of PPA Asia, Nicola has medalled at every event she’s entered, recording standout wins and performances against some of the world’s top players. These results have firmly placed both Nicola and Queensland pickleball on the international map.

Her journey reflects the growth, opportunity, and future of pickleball in Queensland - and offers inspiration for players of all ages dreaming big.

👉 READ MORE to discover the full inspiring story of Nicola Schoeman, Queensland’s rising star and DUPR No.1 Women's Doubles Junior!

🥇Still Smashing It! - Pickleball Australia Seniors Update

Pickleball Australia Seniors (PAS) - Lots of Exciting 🤗 Things Happening! 

Our major one is a save-the-date for the PAS Ocean Grove Doubles Classic in July in Victoria.

Entries open in late March, with men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions for 60–64, 65–69, and 70+ players.

So, look out for our newly sanctioned PAS Ocean Grove Doubles Classic, coming to Victoria on 10–11th July, 2026. 

More details coming soon - watch 👀 this space, or go to: https://www.pickleballaus.org/tournaments  🙌

Fran Kealey

Pickleball Australia Seniors (PAS)

⚠️ Pickleball Safety Tips: Reducing Injuries and Playing Smarter  

Pickleball is loved for being social, inclusive, and relatively low-impact - but that doesn’t mean injuries can’t happen. As the new season gets underway, it’s a timely reminder that pickleball safety matters for players of all ages and abilities.

Recent injury reports show that falls, muscle strains, overuse injuries such as “pickleball elbow,” and eye injuries remain the most common issues on court. While many of these injuries are preventable, they often occur when players push beyond their physical limits, react late to fast shots, or experience miscommunication with their doubles partner.

This great article from the Sunshine Coast Pickleball Club explores the most frequent pickleball injuries and highlights simple, practical ways to reduce risk, including smarter movement choices, the importance of eye protection, and clear partner communication. 

The goal is not to discourage competitive play, but to encourage playing smart, looking after your body, and supporting your teammates. Staying injury-free means more time on court, faster recovery, and a stronger, safer pickleball community across Queensland.

 READ MORE!

TIME TO SHOP: Smash the Savings: Member-Only Pickleball Deals!

Want a great pickleball deal?

As a valued Pickleball Queensland member, you get exclusive access to special discounts on gear, apparel, and more!

Whether you're upgrading your paddle, refreshing your court wardrobe, searching for AED equipment or courses for your club, or hunting for a bargain, our Members-Only discount prices 🛒 have you covered.

👉 SHOP NOW to Start Shopping Smarter!

Let’s make 2026 an EPIC year of pickleball!

Bring the energy, bring the fun, and enjoy the journey with us across Queensland. 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our latest member update.

And don't forget to spread the word, share this link, and follow us on Facebook for all our latest updates, sneak peeks, and tournament buzz! 

[Created by: Irene Krajewska]