New floodlit padel court opens at Shropshire village sports club
The new facility at Prees Sports & Social Club has been funded by a local foundation, with hourly bookings available for £20
A new floodlit padel court has opened at Prees Sports & Social Club, giving local residents the chance to try one of the world's fastest-growing racket sports.
Adults and children attended a launch event at the club over the weekend, despite rainy weather, with padel expert Andre Mouskides on hand to introduce newcomers to the game.
The court has been funded by Prees-based The Grocott Family Foundation, which worked with club hosts Kelly and Andy Edge to bring the project to fruition.
Foundation trustees David and Linda Grocott and Daniel McGowan joined Kelly Edge to cut a ceremonial ribbon marking the opening.
The court is available to book online, with hourly sessions costing £20. It will be open daily from 9am to 9pm throughout the year.
Players can book through the Prees Cricket and Recreation Club page on Playtomic and will receive a unique entry code.
Padel is usually played by four people on an enclosed court smaller than a tennis court. The sport is designed to be accessible to players of different ages and abilities, making it suitable for families and groups.
Linda Grocott, a foundation trustee and vice-president of the club, said: "It was great to see so many people at our launch event keen to have a go at trying a new sport. Professional coach Andre Mouskides provided excellent coaching and encouragement.
"From the outset, we have been determined to keep the price of hiring the court as low as possible so that it's accessible to everyone and that it becomes a well-used local facility enjoyed by all ages.
"We feel very proud that we have been able to bring this relatively new sport to our small village and to have such a vibrant sports and social club to champion it."
A proportion of the booking fees will go towards the foundation, which supports other local charities and organisations.