YARRABILBA resident and national pickleball champion Gail Aiken is preparing to offer coaching clinics on Tamborine Mountain, with a focus on helping people of all ages and abilities get active through one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports.
Gail has worked in the sport, recreation and fitness industries for more than 30 years, including a decade delivering workshops with Tennis Australia across Australia and overseas.
She was also involved in project management during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has worked in community sport programs across multiple sectors, including disability support.
Her experience as a professional tennis coach led to state and national recognition, and she said her career has focused on helping people of all ages and abilities engage in physical activity.
“I’m turning 70 this year, and much to my own amazement, when I came into the sport of pickleball in 2020, I was almost instantly asked if I would consider coaching,” Gail said.
“I said, ‘Absolutely not,’ because while people say it’s easy to play, that’s only true if you’ve got an athletic background. You need to know how to teach it properly, especially to those who’ve never played sport before.”
Despite her initial reluctance, Gail took on both Australian and international coaching courses and also holds multiple state and national titles.
“Over the last four years, I’ve ended up playing youngsters 50 years my junior,” she said.
“I’m currently the Australian mixed doubles champion across three different age groups.”
Aiken said she is in discussions with The Manor, to offer introductory sessions, with the potential for group clinics if there is community interest.
“I’ve got all the equipment, there’d be no charge, just come along, feel the paddle,” she said.
“If I found there was interest, I’d run a clinic for maybe eight to twelve people. It’s a lovely way to build confidence and a social network.”
As a coach, Gail brings a background in sports science and a passion for mature-age health.
“We were born to move,” she said.
“I delight in helping those with absolutely no skill whatsoever, empowering them to get the most benefit out of the body they’ve got for the remainder of their days.”
To learn more on pickleball from Gail, visit www.xcelpickleball.com.
