The courts for the ‘fastest growing sport in the world’ could be built in an ‘under utilised’ area
Plans for five Padel courts to be established at Hull RUFC on Chanterlands Avenue have been submitted to Hull City Council. The plans represent the continued growth of the sport in Hull.
The application has been submitted on behalf of Padel Project UK who already have Padel clubs in Darlington, South Shields, and Worthing among other locations. The firm now seeks permission from Hull City Council for five Padel courts at Ferens Recreation Grounds, the home of Hull RUFC.
The courts would be positioned towards the north of the sports field, in front of the pavilion building. They would be located on a section that is currently used as a cricket field – however plans explain that this area of the site is currently “under utilised.”
Three of the courts would be arranged in parallel south of the car park whilst the other two would be slightly to the west of the others, south of the pavilion building. The courts would be enclosed by fences which the ball can be hit against and stay in play.
A second fence would be erected around the courts. This would be purely for security.
Plans state: “Once operational, Padel tennis will be offered for children and adults, adults will be able to attend day and evening classes and social sessions Monday-Sunday. Children will be offered after-school classes, holiday camps and access via schools.” The courts would be offered to all on a pay to play basis with no club membership being needed.
Having been described by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as “the fastest growing sport in the world,” Padel first arrived in Hull earlier this year when East Coast Padel opened their doors off National Avenue. The tennis-like racquet sport is played on courts roughly half the size of a standard tennis court and can be played in either singles or doubles.
The courts for the sport, which originated in Mexico, have been popping up across Europe and the US in recent years and the sport is now available to play in most UK cities.
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