St Albans' first padel courts to open at Batchwood

The result of a partnership between Everyone Active and PadelStars, two outdoor courts are set to open by the end of May.

The game of padel, which is a hybrid of tennis and squash, is played on an enclosed court slightly less than a third of the size of a tennis court. It is traditionally played as doubles.

The exterior of Batchwood Sports Centre. (Image: Pearce Bates)

While padel follows the same basic rules and scoring as tennis, players serve underarm and the ball can be bounced off the walls.

James McNulty, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “As one of the world’s fastest growing sports, we’re delighted to introduce padel tennis as a new activity at Batchwood Golf and Sports Centre.

The game of padel in action. (Image: Everyone Active)

“Padel is easy to play, fun and sociable, and it’s currently enjoying a surge of interest on the back of celebrity endorsements and growing court availability.

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"We believe it will be very well received and embraced within the local community.”

Andy Knee, CEO of PadelStars, added: "We’re thrilled to be working with Everyone Active to bring padel tennis to St Albans.

Andy Knee, CEO of PadelStars. (Image: Everyone Active)

"If you’ve not yet tried padel tennis you’re in for a treat – it’s so easy to learn, highly sociable, great exercise, a lot of fun."