The fastest-growing participation sport globally has arrived in Sandwell, with three new ‘Padel’ courts now open at Tipton Sports Academy.

A launch event on Saturday at the Wednesbury Oak Road facility, attracted over 150 attendees made up of interested locals and dignitaries, including the Leader of Sandwell Council, Kerrie Carmichael,  Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Cllr Suzanne Hartwell, plus Deputy Lord Lieutenant Gurpreet Bhatia.

The Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Syeda Khatun MBE, cut the official opening ribbon and hit the first ball on the three new indoor courts which marks a £155,000 investment to bring this booming, dynamic and highly inclusive and accessible sport to the area.

Padel is like a cross between tennis and squash but played on smaller courts enclosed with glass walls. It’s played in doubles and uses the tennis scoring system, with the serve underarm. Players use solid, stringless, composite rackets to hit a softer ball over the net and via the walls.

Sandwell locals took advantage of free coaching and taster sessions on the launch day and the new facility’s first ever fun tournament with prizes.

Chair of the SLT Board, Penny Venables, said: “We always strive to provide high-quality leisure facilities that support the health and well-being of our community, so we are thrilled to bring the highly exciting and social game of padel to Sandwell. Inclusive and accessible community facilities like this make a real difference to people’s lives and we look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of players and enthusiasts locally and from across the region.”

Mayor Syeda Khatun added: “I am always extremely proud of what we achieve and deliver in Sandwell and this is no exception as we open these wonderful new padel courts at Tipton Sports Academy with our partners at Sandwell Leisure Trust. We hope bringing one of the fastest growing sports in the world to the borough will provide yet another opportunity for our residents to get together and enjoy something new whilst staying fit and active.”

Bookings can be made at slt-leisure.co.uk/padel. Off Peak Mon-Fri (9am till 4pm) costs £28 per court, per hour. Peak Mon-Fri (4pm till 10pm) and Sat/Sun (9am till 8pm) is £34 per court, per hour. Padel is a doubles only sport, so that’s just £7 per person off peak or £8.50 per person peak.