"Croquet is a sport stereotyped as just for retirees, and that's the image we've got to get rid of".
Croquet player John Jury has been playing croquet for over 20 years.
With 11 of those years as secretary for the Moorabinda Croquet Club at Hay Park, Jury said although croquet was 'undeniably' a sport attracting 'older' players in the past, there was now a real drive to attract a younger demographic.
"We have about 60 members currently, and a lot of them aren't retirees, they're still working," Jury said.
"We're now getting a couple of youngsters come in, but we'd definitely love a lot more."
Croquet can be played in either doubles or singles and involves four balls and six hoops.
I think if we want to encourage people of all ages to play, its important to show them that you can always improve and do better. It's just a great sport that ticks a lot of boxes.
- Gary Phipps
Players hit the balls around the court twice, with the idea of getting their own ball through the hoop and stopping their opponent from doing so themselves.
The Moorabinda Club offers both association and golf croquet, the latter a shorter form of the game.
Jury referred to the six courts (also known as greens) at the club as the 'best croquet facility in Western Australia'.
"We pride ourselves on the condition of the lawn, and we have quite a lot of state, national and international championships here.
"We also now have quite notable players coming out of the club, such as Gary Phipps."
Phipps has been a member for four-years and in that time has received a variety of accolades in 2021, including runner up in the Australian Croquet Championships in March and winning the Men's Croquet Open.
With a cricket, football and golf background, Phipps said he recommended croquet as a sport for a list of reasons.
"It can be strategic and it can be aggressive, but it's a great social sport.
"It's also a very low impact sport on your shoulders and back and a nice way to get some exercise with casual walking."
Phipps, as well as members Lesley Holmes and Dale Jury received awards for most improved at the Club's annual awards in 2021.
Phipps said the awards were the most important event that had occurred at the club recently because it showed there was always room for improvement in croquet.
"I think if we want to encourage people of all ages to play, its important to show them that you can always improve and do better. It's just a great sport that ticks a lot of boxes."
The Moorabinda Croquet Club will hold an open day toward the end of 2021 for new players, which includes lessons on how to play both golf and association.
To stay up to date, visit https://www.croquetwest.org.au/.