The transformation of Torquay Tennis Club

A quiet winter revolution has taken place at Torquay Lawn Tennis Club, with the introduction of pickleball and padel tennis bringing a whole new fanbase to racquet sports.

Along with the core tennis facilities of nine outdoor, three indoor and two mini courts, the arrival of pickleball and padel tennis has changed the dynamic of the club, and manager Steve Maslen is understandably excited for the future.

“We’ve had 120 people join as bats members, who are focussed mainly on pickleball and padel tennis,” he said. “It has transformed the club over the past few months, bringing in a totally different dynamic.

“We’ve got footballers, rugby players and golfers taking up racquet sports. These new sports are perfect for those who don’t have the time to learn tennis, which is a very difficult sport to just start and then sustain at a level that’s enjoyable.

“As a coach, I know that tennis requires a great deal of time and effort. It is a very technical game to play, learning how to serve and play the different strokes required.

“Pickleball and padel tennis are the opposite. Anyone can play, it is doubles-based with underarm serving on a smaller court. We’ve got players recovering from small injuries or health issues, who are using these sports as a route back to fitness.

“We currently run box leagues for padel tennis and it is all supported by the LTA, which has given its endorsement to these new sports because they are a superb step into the realms of playing full tennis.

“We have a pro padel league and an open padel league, with around 36 pairs playing against each other in a competitive format, while our pickleball coordinators also run box leagues.

“On April 14, we have 90 players visiting the club for a pickleball festival and they are coming from all over the south of England, which is a great example of how these sports are transforming what we do at the club.

“They all pay £20 for a day of pickleball and shows how these new sports are contributing to the long-term sustainability of the tennis club.

“One of the challenges we face is local awareness. We are situated behind the car park on Belgrave Road / Shedden Hill in Torquay, and just getting people through the doors has shown them the amazing facilities we have at the club.”

The next date for the diary is an Open Day on Saturday, March 30 and a perfect opportunity to see if these fantastic new sports, which are gaining global popularity, are right for you.

“The Open Day comes with free pickleball, padel tennis, table tennis and normal tennis, alongside an Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ,” added Maslen. “We are thrilled that BMW are sponsoring the day with a little mini remote-controlled car and other events.

“The day is completely free and our opportunity to invite people from the Bay to enjoy tennis and our new sports of pickleball and padel tennis. We want people to have a go, be introduced to the club and see what we have to offer.

“We are not the stereotypical stuffy tennis club. The message from us is that we are open and inclusive to everyone.”

As well as the development of new sports, the tennis offering available at Belgrave Road is looking forward to a stellar summer on the courts, with social events, coaching sessions and the iconic Torbay Open, one of the top tennis tournaments available anywhere.

“As we head into the summer, our core delivery of tennis will include regular social sessions, coaching opportunities in groups or as individuals, social tournaments and, of course, our major event of the summer, The Torbay Open,” said Maslen.

“This runs from August 11 – 17 and a variety of age categories involving players from far and wide, as it remains one of the largest regional tournaments in the whole country.”