The Isle of Wight’s first padel courts are now complete at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, with the public invited to try the new facilities during a special open day on Sunday 6th July, from 13:00-16:00.
This moment marks the successful delivery of a long-anticipated project that began in early 2024, when RLTCC first announced its plans to bring padel – a rapidly growing racket sport – to the Isle of Wight.
Until now, the Island has been one of the last counties in England without courts for the game, which combines elements of tennis and squash.
The £150,000 construction effort began in February this year following a groundbreaking ceremony led by Joe Robertson MP and 2 of the Island’s promising young players, Joel Smith and Toby Trotman.
Funding was secured through Sport England, the Lawn Tennis Association, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight LTA Trust, and significant club fundraising.
The newly opened courts are all-weather, fully enclosed with glass walls, and equipped with floodlights for extended play. They are now bookable online by both members and non-members via www.rydelawn.co.uk or the ClubSpark Booker App.
To celebrate the launch, the club is hosting a free open day offering the chance to try padel, along with croquet, tennis, pickleball and pétanque. A special half-price membership offer will also be available to those joining on the day.
Richard Hutchins, Chair of RLTCC, has said:
“This is a proud moment for the club and the wider Isle of Wight sporting community.
“We are thrilled to welcome both members and non-members to experience our facilities and discover why padel is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”
There’s also a court at Tapnell Farm, for those on the west side. It’s such a great game. So good to now have facilities on the island. Give it a go, it’s fun and challenging.