Padel is taking the world by storm, attracting more than 30 million regular players and counting.

Recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association as the fastest-growing sport globally, it’s now making its mark right here in our area.

Now, the trend is expanding into our region, with Advantage Padel recently opening its courts to the public in Kingsley.

Padel is a racquet sport often described as a mix of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls that can be used during gameplay, it uses solid rackets.

Players serve underarm, which ensures that those with a significant power advantage cannot dominate, thus levelling the playing field for those who may be less strong or athletic.

Tom Defrates, Manager of Advantage Padel, explained why the sport is becoming so popular. “Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world. I would say it is a racket sport that can be played by anybody at all levels. It is open to people who can’t play tennis because of injuries or squash because of back pain,” he said.

Advantage Padel boasts several indoor courts, allowing players to stay active and warm throughout the winter months. They also have big plans to open more facilities in Aldershot and Bournemouth by the end of 2025.

When the Herald visited the courts, several players of varying ages were taking part. Among them were seniors as well as younger players picking up a racket for the first time.

Padel player George shared his thoughts, saying, “It is really nice to have another option having been introduced to the sport at the Bourne Club in Farnham.

“The Lawn Tennis Association should be doing more to support and they should be taking a bigger responsibility to help grow Padel and get the next generation playing.”

Young players will be a key focus for Advantage Padel, as the centre aims to work with local schools and host activity clubs during school holidays to inspire the next generation of padel players

Advantage Padel is also collaborating with Empower Padel, a community initiative that encourages women to get involved in the sport, both for fun and competition.

Padel originated in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969, when Enrique Corcuera adapted a tennis court in his backyard, surrounding it with walls and using a smaller, solid racket.

Advantage Padel has its own connection with the origins of Padel with one of its major shareholders Lewis Deyong, 90, an Englishman who played on the world’s first court with aristocrats in 1974.

Fifty years later Deyong is now trying to push the sport into the UK with Advantage Padel.

Deyong is known best for his backgammon skills and as a professional gambler but his love for Padel has taken him on a new adventure.

He said: “We have had a lot people come from all around from places like Woking and other venues in the area such as the Bourne club but we want new people to come down and give padel a go.”