I recently spoke with members of Ashtead Squash and Tennis Club (ASTC) learning about the fastest up and coming sport in the UK, Padel, and the positive effect the sport has had on their club. It is a inclusive and accessible sport that is highly sort after and in demand by other sport clubs, especially in Surrey and London areas.
Padel is a hybrid sport, mixed between tennis and squash. It is played on a court half the size of a tennis court, following the same point system as a regular tennis game. The court itself is enclosed with mesh and glass and the game is played with Padel rackets. It is played on Astro turf and for the courts that are outside, many have a drainage system to allow the sport to be played in nearly all weather conditions.
The rules are fairly similar to tennis, except you serve by bouncing the Padel ball on the ground below waist level. The ball can bounce off any wall but can only hit the turf once before being returned. Players can opt for a single game with two players, or doubles which consists of two teams of two players. The history of the sport is widely debated as many have different ideas of it’s origins. However most believe it was Enrique Corcuera, who invented the hybrid sport in Mexico. Popularity then shifted to Spain where it is well established. The sport has been around in the UK for 20 years but has gained traction in the past 5 years.
At ASTC, sport has always been a fun and enjoyable part of their community. Sadly like everywhere else, when lockdown hit and the club was unable to open, it took a big toll on the members and trainers. Togetherness has always been a huge part of sport, so when it was taken away it was a really difficult adjustment. However, many of the long standing members and people that work in the club decided to use that time to do some good for the club.
Graham Jones, a member of ASTC for over 10 years, spoke with me about the addition of Padel to their club and the positive influence it had on the community. He explained that members came together and presented the idea of a Padel court and adding the sport to their current selection: Tennis, Squash and Racket Ball. It was decided this could be a great addition as lockdown measures eased, and people could meet up outside in small groups. As well as the Padel court, an old horse box was converted into a outside tipple bar. This serves alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as well as snacks, for the players, after matches. I was lucky enough to be able visit the club and see the new courts, Tipple Box and speak to the Chairman of the club: Mike Standring. We spoke about the addition of Padel and how it changed the dynamic of the club. He said, “The court and weather shelter created a reason to be outside, bringing people together whilst also being active.” Having a new a modern court added to the club was also was a huge improvement, as a few of the other racket sport courts are slightly older. I also learnt that memberships have increased by 20% for the club because of Padel and what a success it has been. “The effect of Padel and the new court has been exponential.” I also spoke to member, Hany Badair, who started playing Padel during lockdown in Cairo. As the restrictions eased and he was able to come over to England, he was very happy to see the new Padel court. “It was the only one in the area I knew of, so it was perfect that it was at the club where all my friends were too. It was great to see everyone after a long time, play outdoors in the sun and have fun exercising.” At ASTC, they have a members system which allows you to play there. You can become a full member, giving you access to all four sports they offer for £275 per year. Or you are able to become a partial member, giving you access to your preferred sport for £75 per year. As well as all of the sports facilities, the club has a bar area with televisions to watch live sport and dance/sport clubs for kids.
Since opening the Padel court 18 months ago, the members have increased so much that the club had to have a cut off. This is partially due to the lack of Padel courts in the Surrey/London area, and the demand for the new sport. Currently, almost every sports club are either building or attaining planning permission for a Padel court to keep up with the demand. Oxshott now have 2, Epsom have 3 and Weybridge and Ashtead both have 1. There has even been a few sports stars spotted at ASTC and it is known to be the best spot for Chelsea players and trainers who are known to get very competitive on the Padel courts!
When speaking to the members I found a reoccurring positive they all had for Padel was its inclusivity. The sport is accessible to any ages and at ASTC, the players ages range from 10-80 years old. The club also offers the option of mixed doubles for all their sports, allowing anyone to play against each other. As well as a range of ages, Padel is also accessible to people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. For a lot of people during lockdown, it was very difficult to be at home and isolated. Especially for men at the club, losing their daily exercise and interactions with friends was extremely difficult. Many people struggled with their mental health during lockdown and with the introduction of the Padel court, all the members I spoke to reiterated the importance of exercise for their mental well being. Adding the court during such a difficult time for people, improved the mental health of so many who were struggling. The social side of sport brings people together, from all areas and from all ages. Graham said, “In a time of such isolation, being outside and being active was such a great change. It was a breath of fresh air!”
The Padel court was an investment for the club but has only brought a new enthusiasm and success for members. For anyone interested in Padel, contact your local sports club and see if a new Padel court is on the horizon. From all I have learnt about it, there are no downsides! It comes with a welcoming community and a wave of enjoyment.
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