Four new LTA-funded padel courts have been officially opened at the venerable East Grinstead Sports Club by LTA President Sandi Procter, Mims Davies MP and Mayor John Belsey.
As reported by The Padel Paper almost a year ago, the project to add padel facilities at East Grinstead in East Sussex — one of the most successful clubs in English hockey — was spearheaded by former Olympic gold medal winner Richard Leman.
The four state-of-the-art weatherproof and floodlit courts have been supported by an LTA Tennis Foundation Quick Access Loan, the second largest awarded by the charity to date.
Last week, The Padel Paper spotlighted the LTA Tennis Foundation’s Quick Access Loan scheme which aims to make padel more accessible and inclusive, and now offers a 50% interest rate reduction for venues opening in the most deprived areas of Britain.
As part of the Quick Access Loan agreement, East Grinstead Sports Club’s courts will be open to the public, aligning with its mission as a community-focused facility. The club has ambitious plans to further integrate padel into its programming, aiming to increase participation across all age groups and abilities.
“Padel is playing an increasingly active role within our communities,” said Sandi Procter, LTA President. “It was fantastic to be invited to officially open the new padel courts. It is a spectacular facility, and I know it will have a positive impact for the community—padel is a great sport that anyone can play.”
Acting chair of the Trustees of EGSC Richard Leman said: “We are delighted to open our new covered padel courts at East Grinstead Sports Club. Padel is the latest sport to join our multi-sport community hub, and we are very excited about the opportunity for all individuals to have a go at this wonderful sport and be part of the fast-expanding padel community.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have turned the project into a reality over the last two years, a great combination of volunteer and professional expertise working so well together.
“The courts will be available to book through the EGPadel app, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the club and enjoying the game. There is a great offering of food, drinks and entertainment on site. You do not have to be member to play but all bookings are done through the app.”
The LTA has so far invested more than £6 million in the development of padel, including £4.5 million towards the creation of 80 courts at 42 venues, representing approximately 10% of all padel courts in the country.
