Hexham Tennis Club has seen a surge in participation following the installation of a padel court in October 2024. Sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, the facility has quickly become a focal point for the community. The Lawn Tennis Association has described padel as “the fastest growing sport in Britain,” and Hexham’s adoption of the game has placed the club among the pioneers in the North East.
Strong community response
Since opening, the padel court has attracted more than 750 players, many of them newcomers to the sport. Club chairman Vince Burini admitted the success exceeded expectations. “It’s safe to say we’re all pleasantly surprised at the success of the padel court. We’ve been inundated with bookings since it opened,” he said. Families, couples, and groups have all embraced the new facility, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the club.
Financial challenges and solutions
The decision to build the court was driven by the need to boost revenue and attract new members. The club secured a grant of £79,000, but construction costs rose to £115,000. Sponsors and private donations helped bridge the gap. Burini explained: “We’re lucky to have a beautiful ground, so it was important to find a brand that matched the setting and aligned with our ethos of ‘sport for all.’ As an established firm with a strong community focus, Cartmell Shepherd was the perfect fit. The additional funding we received, along with a few other private donations, just got us over the line.”
Expanding participation
Caroline Armstrong, ladies team captain, highlighted the club’s efforts to broaden involvement. “Typically, padel is most popular among young men, so from the outset we wanted to encourage as many women as possible to get involved. Our women’s WhatsApp group now has over 50 members, in addition to our men’s group, and we’ve been able to run both men’s and ladies’ tournaments,” she said.
Impact on facilities and community
The padel court has not only boosted participation but also generated steady income. Burini noted: “Padel court bookings have provided us with a steady income, which we’ve used to create safe pathing and lighting for the padel, and refurbish our other facilities.” Cartmell Shepherd has emphasized that the project aligns with their ethos of supporting community initiatives.
Sponsorship and future plans
Joanne Stronach, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd, expressed pride in the collaboration. “We’re delighted with the impact the padel court has had just a year after opening, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to get active. The facilities are exceptional and many of our own team have enjoyed playing after work. For us, working with local organisations is about more than just sponsorship, it’s about building lasting relationships. This involves attending tennis club events, promoting the club on our social media platforms, and sponsoring the annual trophies presentation. We also have some exciting plans to use the facilities to raise funds for local charities – watch this space.”
Cartmell Shepherd has continued to support initiatives in Hexham and beyond since expanding in 2024. Stronach added: “It’s just over 18 months since we opened our first Hexham base and it’s been a pleasure to support some fantastic local initiatives. We look forward to continuing to play our part in the years to come.”
Hexham Tennis Club’s padel project has not only revitalized the club but also strengthened its role as a hub for community engagement, ensuring the sport’s growth continues to flourish in the region.
