Three brand-new indoor padel courts are to be installed at Tipton Sports Academy, bringing one of the fastest-growing sports in the world to the Sandwell.

The courts, set to open from Saturday 5 April, will provide an exciting new opportunity for local residents to get active and experience this dynamic and inclusive sport.

Padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is growing rapidly across Europe and is now taking the UK by storm. Played on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, the sport is easy to learn, highly sociable, and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court, where the ball can be played off walls, using underhand serves and scoring like tennis.

Over the past decade, padel has seen a surge in popularity, with more than 8 million players in Europe and the UK following suit with a growing network of courts and enthusiasts.

Tipton Sports Academy’s new padel courts mark a significant milestone for Sandwell, as these are the first of their kind in the region. The courts form part of SLT’s mission to inspire more people to get active, providing accessible and affordable facilities to the community. Detailed information on how to book the courts will be shared in the coming weeks.

The introduction of Padel courts will sit alongside four indoor tennis courts, a gym, a sports hall and an athletics track, making this the perfect for enjoying this fast-growing sport in any weather as well as being a significant hub of health and fitness. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, padel is a fun and social way to stay fit. Come and experience the best in fitness and leisure under one roof!

The sports centre will host a launch event on Saturday 5 April, with free coaching and taster sessions for all abilities, spaces are limited, sign up here.