It’s game set and match as Padel courts approved!

Racket sport players will be served with the city’s first purpose built Padel facility later this year.

As Wimbledon kicks off, councillors have unanimously approved plans to build three new covered courts at Withdean Sports Complex.

Located in a central area within the site, the courts will include floodlighting for evening use and replace the current temporary uncovered court.

Fast growing sport

Padel Tennis, a tennis and squash hybrid, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the temporary facility at Withdean has attracted players from across the city.

Played by four players in a glass-enclosed court, about one-third of the size of a tennis court, the rules are similar to tennis, although players serve underarm, making it much easier for beginners and people of all ages.

Celebrity fans and players include tennis icons Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Maria Sharapova.

Hugely popular

“The temporary court has been hugely popular with a diverse range of players, so we are delighted that three new permanent courts will soon be built by Game 4 Padel at Withdean Sports Complex,” said Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Committee.

“As a major sporting city, we are keen to provide opportunities for residents to participate in a wide range of activities at our leisure facilities and have the opportunities to take up new sports.

Champions!

“And who knows, in future years we may be celebrating our own home grown Padel champions!”

There are currently around 250 padel courts in Britain with more opening all the time and the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for the game in the UK, has forecast a 400% growth in the number of courts by the end of this year.