The South Shore Tennis Club in Blackpool is poised to introduce an innovative addition to its sports facilities with the planned construction of four indoor padel tennis courts. Situated on Midgeland Road, the club aims to meet the increasing demand for padel tennis in the Fylde coast and the broader North West region.
Subject to approval, the proposed building will accommodate the padel courts along with changing rooms and a spectator area. The incorporation of these courts is anticipated to resonate with a wide spectrum of players due to the social aspect of the sport and its emphasis on strategy over physical prowess. Padel tennis has garnered substantial popularity worldwide and has captivated the interest of sporting aficionados, including prominent figures such as Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool.
The envisaged facility would utilize the space currently designated for croquet lawns, resulting in the displacement of four outdoor croquet lawns. Nonetheless, the conversion from conventional lawn sports to padel tennis mirrors the evolving tastes of athletes and sports enthusiasts. The club is committed to ensuring that there is no net loss of sporting amenities, as both the current and proposed applications of the site are grounded in fostering opportunities for physical activity and community involvement.
The intended padel courts are set to be available for use daily from 7am to 11pm, contributing to an expansion in employment prospects through coaching and facility management positions. Padel tennis, while relatively nascent in the UK, has already taken root in the Fylde coast with existing courts at Lowther Gardens in Lytham.
For those unacquainted with padel tennis, it amalgamates elements of tennis and squash, originating in Mexico in 1969. The court size is notably smaller than that of a traditional tennis court and is enclosed by walls, enabling the ball to rebound off them during play. Padel tennis is customarily played in pairs, with scoring following the same system as tennis. The dynamic and interactive nature of the game has contributed to its widespread allure among participants of varying ages and skill levels.
As the planning application progresses, the potential incorporation of padel tennis in Blackpool represents a stimulating advancement for the local sports community. The club’s proactive stance in diversifying its sports offerings resonates with the burgeoning interest in padel tennis at both the local and global levels. With its inclusivity and social dimension, the sport is positioned to attract a diverse array of enthusiasts, thereby enriching the lively sports landscape in Blackpool.
In summary, the proposed addition of padel tennis courts at South Shore Tennis Club epitomizes a forward-thinking approach to sports provision and responds to the evolving preferences of athletes and sports enthusiasts. The potential expansion of sporting amenities heralds a promising development for the community and serves as a testament to the escalating appeal of padel tennis as a dynamic and captivating sport.