From Pickleball to PrYme Movers: Staying Active at The Y Ryde

If you've walked into The Y Ryde Community Sports Centre on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, chances are you've heard the distinctive pop of a pickleball rally, the squeak of fast-moving sneakers on hardwood, and plenty of laughter.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Australia in recent years, and the sport has a longer history at The Y Ryde Community Sports Centre than many realise. According to the Pickleball Association of NSW, pickleball was first introduced at the centre in 2018, making it one of the first venues in Sydney to operate pickleball programs.

Today, the sport continues to attract players of all ages and abilities. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court with paddles and a lightweight ball, making it easy to learn and enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike.

The Y Ryde currently offers regular social and open-play sessions, creating opportunities for people to stay active while connecting with others in their community.

For regular player Sandra Dawson, the social side of the sport is what keeps her coming back after two and a half years.

"It's the friends I've made. We share lots of common interests and the sport draws people in from all walks of life,” she said.

“We have a varied age group. The other Sandra is 82, and there are also people in their 30s. People working from home can come during the day and organise their work schedule around it."

That diversity is one of pickleball's greatest strengths. The Y Ryde welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, with sessions designed to be inclusive, social and fun. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or have years of experience, there's a place for everyone on the court.

Sandra has also seen firsthand why the sport's popularity continues to soar.

"It's popping up all over the place, and it's easier to learn than tennis."

The appeal extends well beyond the game itself. Convenient facilities, welcoming staff and opportunities to connect outside of play have helped create a strong pickleball community at Ryde.

"There is lots of parking, the staff are genuinely friendly, and it's a nice and bright place to be,” Sandra explained.

“From here, some of us go to lunch or grab a coffee. We've made great connections. It's a great social activity."

Alongside the social benefits, pickleball also provides an excellent workout, helping players improve cardiovascular fitness, agility, coordination and overall strength while having fun.

Active Ageing Through Fitness and Community

The sense of connection found on the pickleball court is echoed throughout The Y Ryde's programs, including PrYme Movers.

Designed for older adults and those looking for lower-impact fitness options, PrYme Movers combines exercise, wellbeing and community. Participants have access to classes focused on strength, stability, mobility and cardiovascular fitness in a supportive and welcoming environment.

For Eleanor Spence, the PrYme Movers instructor at Ryde who has spent more than 20 years in the fitness industry, it's the people who make the program special.

"My favourite part is everybody; the company. The people are so friendly, so happy, and I really see an improvement with their balance,” she said.

She also values the variety built into each low-impact fitness session.

"You do a little bit of coordination, balance, and strength training. I feel like I get a good workout as well,” she laughed.

The program is designed to meet participants where they are, with modifications available to suit different abilities and fitness levels.

"We have to look after ourselves as we get older. Our program has modifications that suit everybody, and we have a lot of fun!"

Beyond PrYme Movers, Eleanor also teaches Pilates at The Y Ryde and has been instructing the discipline for more than a decade.

"It concentrates more on balance, it concentrates more on stretch bands, it concentrates more on weights. We do exercises designed for particular spots of the body – hips, knees, and shoulders."

Community Connection Through Sport and Fitness

Whether it's a competitive pickleball rally, a PrYme Movers class or a Pilates session, The Y Ryde Community Sports Centre is bringing people together through movement and supporting active ageing.

For Sandra, that community spirit is what makes pickleball so special. For Eleanor, it's seeing participants grow stronger and more confident over time. Together, their experiences reflect what the Y NSW strives to create every day: a welcoming space where people can stay active, improve their wellbeing and build meaningful connections.

From being one of Sydney's earliest pickleball venues to continuing to expand opportunities for healthy ageing, the Y Ryde Community Sports Centre remains a place where sport, fitness and community come together.

For more information about the Y Ryde Community Sports Centre's pickleball and Pryme Movers classes, click here.