We are pleased to announce the opportunity to represent New South Wales at the Sneaky Cat Battle of the Border (Victoria vs NSW 2026).

📅 Friday 24 April – 3:00pm to Sunday 26 April – 12:00 noon
📍Sneaky Cat -  3/58–98 Bennu Circuit, Thurgoona NSW 2640

Eligibility Criteria – Expression of Interest (EOI)

To be eligible, players must:

• Hold current state membership as of 20 April 2026

• Provide proof of residency in the nominated state

• Meet one of the following DUPR divisions:

• Division 1: 4.0+ DUPR

• Division 2: 3.50 – 3.99 DUPR

• Be available to compete in Gender Doubles and Mixed Doubles

Once selected and approved by the State, players will be invited to register via Pickleball Brackets and must pay the entry fee to confirm participation.

Team Selection Structure

Each state will select:

• 30 Male players and 30 Female players

• 15 Males and 15 Females – 4.0+ DUPR

• 15 Males and 15 Females – 3.50–3.99 DUPR

Wildcard Opportunity:
Sneaky Cat will conduct a Local/Regional Wildcard Tournament, providing 8 local regional players the opportunity to secure a team position (2 Male and 2 Female players per state)

Player Entry Fee – $100

The entry fee includes:

• Event registration

• Entry into 2 brackets – Gender Doubles and Mixed Doubles

• 1 x Team Shirt (size nominated by player; coordinated by Sneaky Cat)

• Friday night light Grill’d slider dinner + drink voucher

• Saturday noon BBQ sausage sizzle (players & officials)

• Sunday light grazing table prior to presentation

Saturday Night Event Dinner

• Hosted in Albury (venue TBC)

• Sneaky Cat will coordinate a cost-effective and suitable venue

• Team Managers will conduct the first-round Mixed Doubles selections (4.0+ division) live on Saturday night for Sunday morning play.

Trophy & Awards

The original “Golden Paddle” Battle of the Border Trophy has been offered as the perpetual event trophy (currently held by NSW).

• Each player, emergency, and official (maximum 72 persons) from the winning team will receive a Championship Ring at the Sunday presentation (approx. 12:30pm).

Officials, Emergencies & Substitutes

• Up to 3 Officials plus a State Manager per state (no cost; includes team shirt)

• Officials from the winning state receive a Championship Ring

• Up to 4 Emergency Players permitted per state

• Emergency players pay 50% of the entry fee

• Guaranteed 1 Gender Doubles and 1 Mixed Doubles match

• Scores count toward the overall event result

Accommodation

• Players are responsible for arranging their own accommodation

• Discounted participant rates will be available

How to Submit Your EOI

Please send your firm Expression of Interest to:

📧 admin@pickleballnsw.org
🕓 By 4:00pm, 12 March 2026

Your EOI must include:

• Proof of residence (e.g. driver’s licence)

• A snapshot of your DUPR rating

We look forward to assembling a strong NSW team to defend the Golden Paddle in 2026.