LTA President Sandi Procter officially opens East Grinstead padel courts

The 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.  

This investment reflects the LTA’s commitment to making padel more accessible and inclusive. As part of the Quick Access Loan agreement, the courts are open to the public, aligning perfectly with East Grinstead Sports Club’s (EGSC) 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.” 

Photography by 11 Eleven Media

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.” 

Padel is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in Great Britain. According to recent LTA figures, over 400,000 adults and juniors played padel at least once in the 12 months leading up to the end of 2024. This surge in popularity is supported by a rapidly expanding infrastructure, with 893 courts now available at 300 venues nationwide. 

 To date, the LTA has invested more than £6 million in the development of padel across Great Britain, including £4.5 million towards the creation of 80 courts at 42 venues—representing approximately 10% of all padel courts in the country.