Prees Cricket and Recreation Club near Whitchurch opens a floodlit padel court

Padel has arrived in Prees. Prees Cricket and Recreation Club has opened a new outdoor, floodlit padel court, celebrated with a launch day at the club in late October.

Despite the rain, plenty of adults and children came along to try the sport for the first time, with guidance from padel coach Andre Mouskides, who was on hand to encourage everyone to have a go.

The court was funded by the Prees-based Grocott Family Foundation, which worked with club hosts Kelly and Andy Edge to bring the project to life. Foundation trustees David and Linda Grocott and Daniel McGowan joined Kelly Edge to cut the ribbon.

The aim from the outset has been to keep court hire affordable so that as many people as possible can play. "From the outset, we have been determined to keep the price of hiring the court as low as possible so that it's accessible to everyone and that it becomes a well-used local facility enjoyed by all ages," said Linda Grocott, who is also a vice president of the club.

"We feel very proud that we have been able to bring this relatively new sport to our small village and to have such a vibrant sports and social club to champion it." A proportion of booking fees will go to the Foundation to help it support other local charities and organisations.

Padel is usually played as doubles on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. It is sociable and easy to pick up, which makes it a good fit for families and mixed groups.

The court is open daily from 9am to 9pm all year round, with equipment provided, and players receive a unique entry code when they book. The club, on Brades Road, describes itself as being at the heart of the village and one of Shropshire's premier sporting venues, with free parking, changing rooms and wifi.

Courts can be booked online through Playtomic by searching for Prees Cricket and Recreation Club.