A game that has been described as the world’s fastest-growing sport is set to arrive in Lancashire after plans were submitted to create three courts where it can be played. Padel has similarities to tennis, but with some important differences in the rules that govern it and the equipment needed to take part.
An application has been lodged with Preston City Council to redevelop an existing playing pitch at the West View Better Health Leisure Centre, on Ribbleton Lane, so that half of it is given over to padel. If the proposal – by Edinburgh-based company Game4Padel – is approved, the trio of covered courts, measuring the sport’s standard 20 metres by 10 metres, will provide playing space that will be open to both members and non-members of the facility.
A supporting statement states that the sport is “developing rapidly and growing in popularity across the UK” and is commonly described as “the fastest growing sport in the world. Padel is easy to learn…popular with women and men and played by people of all ages and abilities.
