Work has been ongoing at Bexley Cricket Club, in conjunction with Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash and Racketball Club, to build four Padel tennis courts, to replace the ‘tired’ tennis courts, and a tennis hut. 

Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world right now, originating in Acapulco, Mexico, with expectations that it will soon be added to the Olympics.

The tennis club wanted to include Padel in their sports offerings so the union with the cricket club, who have the space, makes perfect sense. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have awarded the tennis club a ‘Quick Access Loan’ in order to fund the development. The courts will be the first to be used in Bexley Borough.

Nick Riley, Chairman of Bexley Cricket Club said “This is a unique joint venture between Bexley Cricket Club and the Tennis club as we were able to make good use of our previous two tennis courts that were hardly used and in poor condition.”

“We have received enormous interest in applications, currently running at over 250 members.”

“We are hosting a free Open Day on Sunday 17th November from 11:00-16:00 for people to drop in, have a game, speak to our coaches etc. We will have a street food stall and our Bar in the cricket club will be open to all.”]

“Padel is a very social sport, played always as doubles, all abilities are catered for and can enjoy the game. These courts are the first to built in the borough, hence the incredible interest in applications.”

Padel is a racket sport played on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court. Although Padel shares the same scoring system as tennis, the rules, strokes, and technique are different.

The balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. The main differences are that the court has walls and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in the game of squash, and that solid, stringless bats are used. The height of the ball being served must be at or below the waist level.

To become a member you will need to download “The Bexley Padel Club” App, available from the App store, and register. It’s really very simple. All bookings and payments will be conducted through the App. Should you have any questions you can email [email protected].