Padel is becoming increasingly popular in the UK this year, with more people taking up this fun and sociable doubles game, which is ideal for mixed ability groups to play together.
But Cheltenham rackets club, East Glos, was ahead of the game, opening the first padel courts in the south west in April 2021, just as padel began to grow in popularity across Europe.
This forward-thinking move paid off, with over 500 East Glos members now playing padel weekly.
And what started as an opportunity for people to try a new racket sport has led to great sporting successes, with some of East Glos's junior padel players now competing nationally and internationally — and even being invited for GB Team trials — while its adult players have impressed at national events, including the inaugural Four Nations padel tournament in March 2025.
Building on the success of its original padel courts, East Glos is expanding its facilities this July 2025, with three new all-weather, floodlit courts and a singles court.
The singles court is the first in Gloucestershire, designed to help padel players improve their shots and stamina, while having fun or challenging a friend.
East Glos Club manager, Darren Morris, said: 'Our additional padel courts enables us to further develop the club’s offering to include more social play sessions, coaching programmes, team and box leagues.
'This will cement East Glos as one of the leading rackets clubs in the country having the most padel courts on offer, alongside tennis, squash and racketball.'
The development takes the total number of courts at East Glos Club up to 37, complementing the three existing padel courts, four squash and racketball courts and 26 tennis courts — which include 17 all-weather, floodlit courts and nine grass courts for tennis players.
Players can enjoy all four racket sports at East Glos with a single subscription membership, trying their hand at padel as well as practicing their tennis, squash and racketball skills whenever they want.
But the padel courts are open to everyone, whether you're new to padel or already a pro, with East Glos's 'pay and play' option making the sport accessible to the wider Cheltenham community.
The club also offers a wide range of coaching options, from beginners to advanced, which are open to all.
East Glos Club's newest padel courts are now open. Visit eastglos.co.uk/adult-padel-and-coaching to book a 'pay and play' session or find out more about coaching and membership options.
