Padel tennis to launch at Old Parks in mid-November
Sports club in Bordeaux to build four courts, deck, bar and pro shop.
Padel tennis is a fun new racquet sport that is taking the world by storm, and soon it will be played at Old Parktonian Sports Club.
Four north-facing 20m x 10m glass courts are being constructed along with an outside deck for tables and chairs, a new bar and a pro shop.
Construction is set to be completed in mid-November.
“Everything will be under lights so people can play at night, and it will be run seven days a week,” said club manager, Lizette Driescher.
ALSO READ: The Old Parktonian Bowls Club invites members of other sports to try play theirs
“Africa Padel will be running it and people can book a court to play on with their app. People will be able to buy or borrow the padels and balls.”
According to the Africa Padel website, the sport is the fastest-growing sport in a world.
It is a mix of squash and tennis, as it is played in glass courts in the sun.
“It is played mainly in a doubles format on an enclosed court, surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash about a third of the size of a tennis court,” the website explained.
ALSO READ: Formies fun for Parktown learners at Old Parks
“The rules are broadly the same as tennis, although you serve underhand and the walls are used as part of the game with the ball allowed to bounce off them like with squash.”
Old Parks will host a launch for the sport – the date for this to be confirmed.
Driescher said anyone will be able to play, though Old Parks members will receive discounts on food and drinks at the bar.
ALSO READ: One Small Act of Kindness collects food and clothing from a collection at Old Parks
“People can play socially but we will also have corporate events, teambuilding and even league,” she concluded.
