AN application to bring padel tennis courts to Warrington has been lodged.

The sport, which is a mix of tennis and squash, has been rising in popularity over recent years.

Grappenhall Sports Club has made the application to the council in hope that behind their sole tennis court, they can have two padel courts, which is around 25 per cent smaller than a normal tennis court.

The project, which comes with a roof, would be funded by game for padel, who were keen on the site.

Head coach of the tennis club, James Clever, believes it would be great for the area.

“It would be massive for the local community,” he said.

“The closest padel tennis court to Warrington is in Huddersfield, there’s one at the Etihad Campus but that is for Manchester City’s players only, and they are building some in Liverpool.

“We are hoping it will go through because it’s just another sporting activity. It’s not like we are putting a new building there, it’s another sport that’s happening at a sports club.”

James – a trustee of both the sports club and tennis club – has had the idea in mind for around three years.

He continued: “I knew it was getting quite popular then Andy Murray has recently got involved so it’s getting more and more popular. The Lawn Tennis Association are really trying to push padel tennis.

 

Further details to the padel tennis application

Further details to the padel tennis application

“You don’t have to be brilliant at tennis to play it. You can play it in twos or fours. Games can be booked online, you don’t have to be a member and it should take about an hour.”

Steve Garbutt, a tennis coach involved with the club, said: “The repurposing of ground within the existing sports club to add covered padel courts offers an improved facility with a broader range of activities to encourage the community in taking more exercise without encroaching on any land beyond the boundary of the existing club.

“The covered outdoor space can be used primarily for padel but is flexible and could accommodate other community groups looking for a local venue that is protected from the elements and which can operate all year round.”