Sandi Procter, President of the Lawn Tennis Association, officially opened four new covered padel courts at East Grinstead Sports Club on May 18. The event was attended by local leaders, including Mims Davies MP and East Grinstead Mayor John Belsey, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of padel in Great Britain.
The state-of-the-art courts, equipped with floodlights and weatherproof features, were made possible through an LTA Tennis Foundation Quick Access Loan. This financial support is part of a broader initiative to make padel more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that the courts are open to the public. The club aims to integrate padel into its programming, encouraging participation across all age groups and skill levels.
Procter emphasized the growing role of padel in local communities, highlighting its accessibility and appeal. Richard Leman, acting chair of the Trustees of East Grinstead Sports Club, expressed enthusiasm for the new facility, noting that padel is the latest addition to the club’s multi-sport offerings. He praised the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition and welcomed players of all backgrounds to experience the sport.
Padel has seen a surge in popularity across Great Britain, with over 400,000 people playing the sport in the past year. The LTA has invested millions in its development, supporting the construction of courts nationwide. The opening of the East Grinstead padel courts represents another step forward in expanding opportunities for players and strengthening the local sporting community.
