New Sports Venue Opens at Willen Lake
Milton Keynes has welcomed a new sports facility with the opening of a six-court padel club at Willen Lake. UK PADEL launched its latest venue on Saturday, 17th October, bringing Britain’s fastest-growing racket sport to the city.
The club features four covered, all-weather courts alongside two open-air courts. This setup ensures that play can continue regardless of weather conditions, offering a consistent venue for local players.
What is Padel?
Padel is a sport described as a blend of tennis and squash. It is primarily played as doubles, with two players per side, though the new venue also offers two singles courts for one-on-one matches.
Players use a solid, stringless bat. The court is approximately one-third the size of a tennis court and is enclosed by glass walls, which keep the ball in play and contribute to longer rallies.
The game features an underarm serve. Many new players find they can enjoy full rallies after just an hour of coaching, making it an accessible sport for beginners.
Community and Accessibility Focus
UK PADEL Milton Keynes has structured its programme to cater to all levels. Beginner sessions and social mix-ins are scheduled weekly, with improver sessions and coaching also available.
Future plans for the club include selecting junior squads for under-12 and under-16 age groups, hosting monthly tournaments, and offering free player rating sessions. Rackets and balls are available for hire, allowing individuals to try the sport without initial equipment investment.
A key feature of the new facility is its commitment to accessibility. All six courts are designed to accommodate adaptive padel, enabling disabled players and wheelchair users to book and participate.
Nick Baker, CEO of UK PADEL, highlighted Milton Keynes’ suitability for the sport, noting it is a young, rapidly growing, and active city. He stated that Willen Lake is already a popular destination for physical activity.
The presence of six courts at this location aims to introduce padel to thousands of new participants. Baker emphasised the organisation’s dedication to making the sport accessible to everyone and fostering a strong community atmosphere at its clubs.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM