First padel courts in the Black Country open in Sandwell

Three new padel courts have opened at Tipton Sports Academy, marking the arrival of the sport in the Black Country for the first time.

The £155,000 investment has transformed part of the Wednesbury Oak Road facility – one of eight run by Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) on behalf of Sandwell Council – into an all-weather padel centre, with the indoor courts allowing for year-round play.

At a launch event, Council Chief Executive Shokat Lal and SLT CEO Mark Braithwaite took to the courts alongside GB stars Tia Norton and George Weller to try out the new addition.

Shokat Lal, chief executive of Sandwell Council said: “This is another first for the borough and I am thrilled we are bringing padel, the fastest growing participation sport in the world, right here to Tipton with our partners at Sandwell Leisure Trust. We continue to innovate and capitalise on new opportunities to make Sandwell a thriving and exciting borough in which to live, work and enjoy leisure time.”

Mark Braithwaite, chief executive at Sandwell Leisure Trust said: “I am delighted to be bringing these fantastic indoor padel courts to Tipton Sports Academy as we continue to look for new ways to engage more people in physical activity and enjoy healthy lives. Playing padel is an ideal way to socialise with family, friends, or other enthusiasts for a fun game because it’s so easy to play and pick up for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.”