Island's first all-weather padel courts are on the way
Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has begun building the first all-weather padel courts on the Isle of Wight.
The venture was officially marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, February 22.
Left to right: Toby Trotman Richard Hutchins (Chair) Justin Biggs (Trustee) Joe Roberston MP Yvette Symes (President) James Cooney (Trustee) Joel Smith (Image: Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club) The event was attended by MP Joe Robertson and promising young players Joel Smith and Toby Trotman.
The project is supported by Sport England, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight LTA Trust, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), club funds and members' contributions.
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Left to right: Toby Trotman, Joel Smith, Joe Roberston MP (Image: Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club)
The new courts are expected to be finished by mid-April.
Once operational, both members and non-members, including visitors to the Island, will have the opportunity to book the courts online.
Joe Robertson MP at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Image: Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club) Membership options are also being made available.
The club has expressed enthusiasm for the new facilities, which promise to enhance the sporting landscape of the Isle of Wight.
This was a significant day in the 120-year history of the club and marked the start of this exciting project. (Image: Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club)Padel, a rapidly growing racket sport, has until now been absent from the Island, making this development particularly exciting.
The introduction of padel courts is a significant step for the Island, aligning it with the rest of the UK where the sport is becoming increasingly popular.
