North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club has expanded its facilities with three permanent floodlit padel courts, giving members and non-members greater access to one of the UK’s fastest-growing racquet sports.
The club, based on Banbury Road, Oxford, said the new courts form the first stage of an ambitious development programme and will allow more people to take part in padel throughout the year.
All three courts are available to book, with pay-and-play access available to non-members as well as bookings for club members.
Played on an enclosed court around one-third the size of a tennis court, padel combines elements of tennis and squash. It is normally played in doubles, with the enclosed playing area and smaller court making it accessible to players of different abilities.
North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club said the sport is designed to be easy to learn while offering opportunities for fitness, socialising and competitive play.
Christian Petersen, Chair of North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club, said the expansion would help the club provide more opportunities for members and the wider community.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our members and the local community,” he said.
“Padel is a fantastic addition that aligns with our commitment to offering diverse and exciting activities. Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player or new to racquet sports, Padel offers something for everyone. And now with three courts, we can open it up to even more people.”
The club has also introduced a dedicated ‘Padel only’ membership for people who want to play padel at North Oxford without taking up tennis membership.
Padel members will receive member booking rates and privileges, while access to coaching, training sessions and club-organised leagues and tournaments will provide opportunities for players who want to develop their game.
Members can book padel courts up to 10 days in advance at the reduced member rate, compared with five days in advance for non-members.
The club said its pay-and-play option can also provide a route into membership for regular players.
North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club moved to its Banbury Road site in 1981. The club currently has eight grass tennis courts and six floodlit hard courts, alongside its new padel facilities.
The club describes its mission as promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for people of all ages and abilities through tennis and padel as community activities.
The addition of the three floodlit courts marks the first stage of the club’s wider development plans and increases the range of racquet sports available at the Oxford venue.
Both members and non-members can book the padel courts through the club’s online booking system.
For more information and court bookings, visit the North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club website. Membership enquiries can also be made through the club’s Membership Secretary.
