There’s just something about pickleball.
The fast-paced, easy-to-learn game has swept the world in recent years, attracting players who might find traditional court sports less accessible or challenging to get into.
That’s probably why it’s the perfect sport for Fun Squad, PCYC’s outside school hours programs with services right across Queensland, all of whom are – or soon will be – embracing pickleball.
“Over the past year, pickleball has spread across all our services and it’s easy to see why. Seriously Fun is our motto – and pickleball certainly ticks that box,” said Fun Squad General Manager, Bev Book.
“We find that children of all ages just love it, it appeals to all of them and it’s a great way for them to keep active.
“Our teams love it too – and play it frequently which is resulting in stronger teams working together to achieve our mission of safe and healthy communities.”
Kylie Morris, Fun Squad Gilston Service Manager, says the sport combines fun, fitness and lots of interpersonal skills, too.
“It’s a game that children of all ages have been able to play and understand, and it supports their development, leadership skills, cooperation and encourages positive sportsmanship,” she said.
“We have a strong focus on happy and healthy children that come to us to have fun, and this is all evident when they play pickleball.”
At Mother Teresa Fun Squad, pickleball is a relatively new addition, being introduced in December. It’s clear it is there to stay!
“Our children are really enjoying pickleball and all the fun that it brings,” said Service Manager Kayla McGee.
“We have seen a boost in morale amongst our children and team members, and things like sportsmanship, social skills and confidence are increasing.”
So successful has the rollout of pickleball at Fun Squad services been that more and more PCYC Queensland clubs are also offering pickleball to their members.
Pickleball has found a home at PCYC Queensland – and it’s only set to get bigger from here!
What do 19-year-old Ava Knihinick and 82-year-old David Gill have in common? They are both dedicated PCYC Queensland volunteers, showing age is no barrier when it comes to assisting the charity with its mission.
This National Volunteer Week, PCYC is celebrating the diversity of our wonderful volunteers: whatever their age, skills, or background, they contribute every day by helping the organisation build safer, healthier communities through youth development.
Across Queensland, more than 1700 volunteers give their time, knowledge, and energy to help PCYC Queensland deliver training, support and recreational programs targeting young people, and building some incredible relationships and community connections while they do it.
PCYC Queensland CEO, Phil Schultz said National Volunteer Week is an important time for PCYC Queensland to celebrate and highlight the diversity of the volunteering experience at PCYC Queensland.
“Our volunteers come to PCYC from all walks of life, do a huge range of jobs, and really are the backbone of our organisation,” he said.
“From retirees seeking to give back and connect with young people in their communities, to teenagers and young adults seeking the support and experience to forge a pathway in their careers – the stories of each of our volunteers are unique and inspiring.”
Ava Knihinick, 19, an Adult Leader in PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program is one such inspiring volunteer. Ava has been involved in the ESC program since 2019.
Ava juggles her commitment to ESC with studying to become paramedic and working as a tennis coach. Ava believes her time as a PCYC volunteer has helped her gain the support and experience to pursue her career path.
Ava advocates for other young people (especially women) to enter the emergency services.
“I think it’s important for women to have mentors. It goes back to the concept of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’,” she said.
“Having role models is essential to show young women that it can be done. It gives young women confidence in themselves to achieve their goals and strive for success.
“The opportunities within PCYC Queensland are amazing and so are the people you meet along the way. It’s such a rewarding opportunity – I think it’s such a privilege to be part of the ESC program.”
At 82, David Gill is proud to be one of PCYC Queensland’s oldest volunteers. As a driver-mentor for the Braking the Cycle program for more than four years, David provides safe driving mentorship to young drivers seeking to gain their licence.
David said he gets great satisfaction from seeing the direct, practical outcomes of his volunteering in his community.
“The main reward for me is to see the young people I mentor get their licence – and go on to get the job they were seeking – it changes their lives and you can see them grow in confidence,” he said.
“It’s not often you can see the direct outcome of the organisation’s mission manifest itself. Volunteering with the Braking the Cycle program and seeing the community outcomes, really is at the essence of what PCYC Queensland is all about.”
About National Volunteer Week 2025: Connecting Communities
National Volunteer Week 2025 is celebrating the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’.
Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Join us as we explore how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging.
Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities.
