Eastbourne

ROTHESAY INTERNATIONAL EASTBOURNE
PADEL PADEL PADEL
PADEL PADEL PADEL
PADEL PADEL PADEL
PADEL PADEL PADEL
PADEL PADEL PADEL
Padel is continuing to grow at a thrilling rate, with over 100 venues now thriving across Britain.
The LTA took over governance of
padel in 2019 and has focused on the
development on facilities the length
and breadth of the country – making
sure infrastructure is in place to meet
the ever-growing demand.
Padel is a sport for anyone and
everyone and in case you don’t
know how it all works, here is a
quick guide:
• A padel court has walls, so your
shots can be played off them –
like in squash – to find wicked
angles and creative shots to beat
your opponents.
• There’s a reason why it’s one of
the fastest-growing sports in the
world – it’s easy to pick up and
much more difficult to put down.
• No matter your age or ability,
everyone is welcome on the
padel court.
• You don’t have to have played
tennis – or any other sport
before – just grab a bat, a doubles
partner, and away you go!
Now your choices of venues are
increasing at a rapid pace, with the
governing body helping to grow the
sport under the guidance of Tom
Murray, LTA Head of Padel.
“Padel in Britain continues to go
from strength to strength, hitting
new milestones and gaining in
popularity and profile,” says Tom.
“The awareness of the sport has
risen hugely and it’s great that
we now have over 100 venues
in Britain where the increasing
number of people who want to try
padel are able to get on court and
give it a go.
“We’re also at a really exciting stage
at the elite level of the game. The
Great Britain Men’s team qualified
for the World Championships last
year and in 2023 we’re hosting
more international competitions to
give our top players the opportunity
to gain ranking points and really
start to establish themselves in the
international ranks alongside players
from nations where padel is a lot
more established.”
Recent openings of padel courts in
Bristol, Aberdeen and The Wirral
mean there are now 108 venues
in Britain, bringing the number of
courts to just under 300.
There is also a growing awareness
of the sport with junior players and
British No.1 Tia Norton is a leading
figure in spreading the message of
the sport.
“Padel so accessible to everyone and
that is one of the main reasons why
people love it so much,” said Tia.
“We have seen the progress the
sport has made in the last year
and now we have more British
tournaments on the schedule that is
really helping our players to develop.
“Also, it would be great to get more
girls and young people playing
padel and if I can help to spread
the message in any way, then I’d be
delighted.” >
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Devonshire Park, Eastbourne | 24 June - 01 July 2023
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