Discover Pickleball at Yarrabilba: A New Way for the Community to Connect

19 March 2026 - https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/yarrabilba/life-at-yarrabilba/news-and-events/news/pickleball-xcel-at-yarrabilba

Yarrabilba is a community that’s growing, moving, and finding new ways for people to come together. One of the latest additions to local life is XCEL Pickleball, led by long‑time coach and community advocate Gail Aiken, who has recently made Yarrabilba her home. 

What began as a simple vision - to introduce an accessible, confidence‑building sport to people of all ages - has quickly become an exciting new opportunity for local students, families and residents to get active and connect. 

A new sport finding a home in Yarrabilba 

Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports, blending elements of table tennis, squash, badminton and tennis into a fun, fast and easy-to-learn game. As Gail explains, “It’s perfect for building confidence while teaching fundamentals - half the time, players don’t even realise they’re learning.” 

With support to purchase new equipment, XCEL Pickleball has now begun running sessions at Yarrabilba State Secondary College, transforming the school’s indoor sport hall into a place where people of all ages within the Yarrabilba community can try something new, meet others, and develop their skills. 

A coach with decades of experience - and a passion for community 

At the heart of this initiative is Gail herself. With extensive coaching credentials across multiple racquet sports, she brings both expertise and a genuine love for helping people build confidence through movement. 

Recently moving to Yarrabilba, Gail says she was inspired by the area’s natural setting, strong sense of belonging, and the opportunity to help shape a young and rapidly growing community. 

“I delight in the fact that I’m living in a location surrounded by nature, with beautiful facilities,” she shares. “To bring pickleball here felt like the perfect fit.” 

Her commitment extends beyond coaching - Gail is working closely with staff at Yarrabilba State Secondary College to activate the space in a way that benefits both students and the wider community. 

Why pickleball is the perfect fit for Yarrabilba 

Pickleball has quickly gained traction worldwide for one simple reason: anyone can play. Kids, teens, adults, seniors and all abilities can all jump in, learn the basics, and enjoy the game at their own pace. 

It’s low‑impact, confidence‑building and social - making it ideal for a community as diverse and multicultural as Yarrabilba. 

Gail notes how much she’s looking forward to seeing people of all backgrounds come together: “We have so much multiculturalism here. Even if people don’t speak the same language yet, there’s always a smile. Movement is a universal way to connect.” 

Growing an active, connected community 

With Yarrabilba now home to more than 17,000 residents and continuing to grow, initiatives like XCEL Pickleball play an important role in building connection, wellbeing and community pride. 

For Gail, this is only the beginning. “What a time to lay down foundations and help create one of the most vibrant communities in Queensland,” she says. “We’re here to listen to what the community wants - and build from there.” 

Get involved 

XCEL Pickleball is now offering bookable weekend sessions, with more planned as demand grows. 

To learn more or secure a spot, click here.