BASILDON'S newest sporting attraction officially opened its doors on Friday (2 May), as four brand-new padel tennis courts were unveiled at Basildon Sporting Village.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with representatives from Everyone Active, Basildon Borough Council and PadelStars celebrating the launch of the borough's first-ever padel facility.

The courts are located between the football pitch and netball courts and include three covered courts, one open-air court and a stylish clubhouse with a café, bar and seating - creating a vibrant social space for players and spectators alike.

The first full weekend of play kicked off on Saturday 3 May with launch festivities that included an exhibition match, food and drink stalls, and a live DJ playing throughout the day.

Shaun Beagle, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "It's fantastic to see the courts officially open and being so well received already. Padel is fast, fun and really easy to pick up – you don't need any experience to get started. We're proud to be bringing something new and exciting to the Basildon community and look forward to seeing the sport grow locally."

Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, is played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. While it follows traditional tennis scoring rules, padel has unique elements: players serve underarm and can play the ball off the walls. The sport uses specialist rackets with foam heads and tennis-like balls.

Known for its accessibility, padel is easy to learn and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Most newcomers pick up the basics within 30 minutes and quickly build confidence on the court. The sport originated in Mexico, before rapidly spreading across the world, gaining the title of the 'world's fastest growing sport'. It is adored by notable enthusiasts, such as the Prince of Wales, David Beckham, Roger Federer, Stormzy, Lando Norris and more.

Andy Knee, CEO of PadelStars, added: "We're thrilled to be working with Everyone Active and Basildon Borough Council to bring padel tennis to the town. If you've not yet tried padel tennis you're in for a treat – it's so easy to learn, highly sociable, great exercise, a lot of fun. If you've already played then chances are you're already hooked! Padel is a sport that we know people in Basildon are really going to take to, we can't wait to see them on court."

Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: "I am thrilled to see the opening of the four new padel tennis courts at Basildon Sporting Village.

"Padel tennis is a rapidly growing sport, and these new courts will provide an excellent opportunity for residents of all ages to stay active and try a new sport. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this addition will have on our sporting communities."   

Cllr Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport, Children & Young People, added: "The opening of the Padel courts will surely kick off a Padel tennis revolution in Basildon and I am confident that people from across the borough will be make good use of the courts, irrespective of their age and ability." 

The new padel courts at Basildon Sporting Village will be open daily, offering residents a fresh and exciting way to get active.

For booking information and further details, visit www.padelstars.co.uk or download the PadelStars app.