On May 18, Sandi Procter, the Lawn Tennis Association’s president, formally opened four brand-new covered padel courts at East Grinstead Sports Club. Local dignitaries, such as East Grinstead Mayor John Belsey and MP Mims Davies, attended the occasion, which marked a critical turning point in the growth of padel in Great Britain.
The LTA Tennis Foundation Quick Access Loan enabled the construction of the state-of-the-art courts, which have weatherproof features and floodlights. This funding is a component of a larger effort to increase padel’s inclusivity and accessibility while maintaining public access to the courts. The club wants to encourage participation from people of all ages and skill levels by including padel into its programs.
Procter highlighted the popularity and accessibility of padel, underscoring its expanding importance in local communities. Padel is the newest addition to the East Grinstead Sports Club’s array of multi-sport activities, and Richard Leman, acting head of the Trustees of the club, expressed excitement for the new facility. He urged participants from all backgrounds to try the sport and commended the teamwork that made the endeavor possible.
Over 400,000 people have played padel in the last year, demonstrating the sport’s rising popularity throughout Great Britain. In order to encourage the building of courts across the country, the LTA has committed millions in its development. Another step towards increasing player opportunities and bolstering the local sports community is the opening of the East Grinstead padel courts.