The launch of four new padel courts in Stoke-on-Trent was marked with a community opening event this week. 

Powerleague, a UK-wide operator of commercial small-sided football centres, first opened the courts for bookings on 12 February at their Stoke Trentham Lakes site. 

The arrival of the new facilities was then officially marked with an event open to the public on the site, located on Dennis Violet Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, on Thursday 26 February. 

John Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer at Powerleague, which also operates a site in Sneyd Green, explained that the courts have been fully booked since they first opened. 

He said: "I think it's important for everywhere in the UK to have access to what is officially the world's fastest growing sport. 

"We're a football business at heart, and when the world's number one participation sport is and always will be football, I think to complement that with the world's fastest growing sport is really exciting. 

"We've been open for 12 days and we're 100 per cent full.  

 "That tells you that people in Stoke are desperate to play paddle, and we are delighted to be able to facilitate it with world-class facilities."

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At the event, local residents and players were invited to try the sport for free in 'Intro to Padel' sessions and a social tournament. 

Food, drinks, and music were also provided at the event, which saw complete beginners and experienced players take on padel using the new facilities. 

The opening follows an £815,000 investment by Powerleague (image via Nub News)

John encouraged local people who may have never tried, or even heard of padel to come along and try the sport.

He said: "You can play padel to a really good level, but anybody at any level, any age, and any capability can take to the court and have fun.   

"And that's the key, to have fun and socialise.  

"It's great for physical health, it's great for mental health, it's great for social health. It ticks every box." 

The opening follows an £815,000 investment in four "state-of-the-art, fully canopied padel courts", making Stoke Trentham Lakes Powerleague's eighth padel site. 

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Powerleague explained that the courts will offer year-round play for beginners and experienced players who will also have access to "top-of-the-range" Babolat equipment, with rackets available to hire on-site. 

Alongside the recent investment in padel facilities, the bar at Stoke Trentham Lakes was fully refurbished last year. 

John added: "We're trying to make this a real community hub where people can come down, enjoy the facility, get used to new or existing sports and just enjoy themselves."   

The new courts will be available to book in 60 and 90 minute sessions, alongside introductory coaching and organised social play. 

Bookings for the new courts, which start from £6.50 per person, can be made via the Playtomic app. For more informatio about court availability, visit the Poweleague website here.