Judy Murray officially opened a new indoor padel facility at Glasgow Club Scotstoun this week.
The opening event featured an exhibition match starring some of Scotland’s best padel players, a workshop with padel coach and Scotland senior international John Byrne and a taster session for university students before the courts opened to the public.
Glasgow Life, the charity which delivers culture, events and active living in Glasgow, also welcomed project partners Alliance Leisure Services, Doe Sport and Sports Labs to the launch of the new courts.
Judy, mum of Scottish tennis icons Andy and Jamie Murray, cut the ribbon to formally open Scotstoun’s new padel courts.
Judy, padel coach John Byrne and top Scottish players then showed their skills in an exhibition match before University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde students got a feel for the sport during a taster session.
Judy said: “There’s been a massive spike in interest in padel across Scotland in recent years, so it’s fantastic to see courts opening at Glasgow Club Scotstoun.
“It’s easy to get started in padel and I think it’s a great way into – or out of – other racquet sports. That’s certainly the case for me, as the tennis court is way too big nowadays! Having local facilities like this will give many more adults and children in Glasgow the chance to try this captivating new sport.”
Glasgow Life has converted two of Glasgow Club Scotstoun’s eight indoor tennis courts into three padel courts, in partnership with Alliance Leisure Services.
The introduction of padel at Glasgow Club Scotstoun strengthens the venue’s multi-sport programme and adds to the world-class facilities already on offer.
Glasgow Club Scotstoun’s padel programmes will include coaching for beginners, intermediates and advanced players; social play sessions; and fun, fast-paced Americano events.
The padel courts at Glasgow Club Scotstoun can be booked eight days in advance via the Glasgow Club app and website, and in-person at the venue.
George Hunter, Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity, and Communities at Glasgow Life, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming players onto Glasgow Club Scotstoun’s new padel courts and giving more people a chance to play one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
“The padel courts further strengthen the venue’s multi-sport offer and add to the world-class facilities available to Glasgow Club members and visitors. Whether you’ve played before or you’d like to give padel a try, Glasgow Club Scotstoun’s padel programme has something for everyone.”
