NEW padel tennis courts are to be launched at a sports club later this month.
Three new courts are opening at Newton-le-Willows Sports and Social Club, with a family-friendly launch event planned for Saturday, May 30, before they open to the public on Sunday, May 31.
The founders of the project are JNL Ventures, including Jack Hogdkiss of JALC Group Ltd, Nathan Brereton, of ERB developments and Leon Goulden, of Foden Estates.
Padel tennis has seen a surge in popularity over recent years and is described as the fastest growing sport in the world, with courts already a feature at other locations in the borough.
Jack said: "Between us we have been building padel courts up and down the country, we must have done 20 across the country.
"We have got an open day on Saturday, May 30.
"It will be a family fun day with DJs, face painting, a bouncy castle and strawberries and cream, with a Wimbledon-theme.
"There will be Super League players from St Helens, Warrington and Leigh, and people can play padel against the rugby players."
The courts have been built on a former bowling green, unused for 15 years and leased to the founders on a 28-year agreement.
This project marks a new community asset for Newton-le-Willows, aiming to fill a gap in local recreational facilities and increase foot traffic to the sports club.
The new courts support the club’s long-term goal to expand and diversify its offerings while generating additional revenue.
The club has been part of the community since 1858 and already hosts cricket, football, rugby union, rugby league, and tennis.
The courts can be booked through the Playtomic app.
