Tennis Scotland announced as the National Governing Body for Padel in Scotland
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The LTA has announced that padel has now been officially recognised as a discipline of tennis in Britain, with Tennis Scotland being confirmed as its national governing body in Scotland.
Tennis Scotland announced as the National Governing Body for Padel in Scotland
Padel, which originated in Mexico in 1969, is a form of tennis that is easy to play, fun and extremely sociable. It is played mainly in a doubles format on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court and can be played in groups of mixed ages and abilities, as it is not power dominant. 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.
One of the fastest-growing sports across continental Europe, padel has gained increasing popularity over recent years, with over six million people currently playing in Spain. Popularity is growing on home soil too, with a total of 82 padel courts currently in Great Britain and more to follow.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “Padel is growing in popularity across in Scotland and by recognising it as an official discipline of tennis and Tennis Scotland as the national governing body in Scotland, the sport now has a fantastic platform to grow.
“It’s a fun and easy way for family and friends to play and we’re confident that padel will help clubs across Scotland to engage their current members, attract new members and help Tennis.
Grand Slam Doubles Champion Jamie Murray
Already a firm fan of the sport, Britain’s seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray said: “I’ve played a lot of Padel over the last few years and I think it’s a great sport. It’s a very social sport that can be played with friends and family of all ages and abilities. I think it’s a great addition for clubs as a way to engage current members and attract new members into their respective clubs.”
The LTA’s drive to grow padel as part of tennis in Britain follows the likes of tennis federations in France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands, who have already integrated padel into their competition structures and operational delivery.
What does official recognition mean?
Whilst recognition in itself does not guarantee funding, clubs and local organisations looking to develop the sport and provide new facilities will now be able to apply for funding programmes that are put in place by sportscotland, Sport England and Sport Wales, subject to them meeting the conditions and criteria of their specific funding programmes.
Padel will be featured on BBC Children in Need’s 2020 Appeal Night this evening, as Sir Andy Murray and Peter Crouch take to the court in a sporting match-up like no other. Viewers can tune in from 7pm on BBC One.
For more information about Padel and how you can get started, or to view the LTA’s full Padel Development Plan.
