Hundreds of people gathered at Heswall Rackets Club for the official opening of new padel courts on January 31. The event featured a ceremony led by club president Colin Winstanley and honored longtime member Roger Hughes. Special guest John Barnes, a former Liverpool and England footballer, joined in trying the sport.
The official opening of the padel courts at Heswall Rackets Club drew over 200 attendees on Friday, January 31. Club president Colin Winstanley performed the opening ceremony, during which a plaque was unveiled to honor Roger Hughes, a lifelong member whose dedication was instrumental in bringing the courts to fruition.
Following the formalities, the courts were made available for public trials throughout the day. A club coach provided tips and guidance, while committee members fielded questions and successfully enrolled more than 20 new members on site. The event included family-friendly activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, a sweet stall, and taster sessions on the squash courts led by a junior coach.
Music, food, and drinks added to the festive atmosphere. Among the special guests was John Barnes, the ex-Tranmere Rovers manager and Heswall resident, who took to the court to experience padel firsthand.
Padel, a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has gained popularity in the UK for its accessibility and social appeal, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. It is often praised as easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners while challenging for seasoned competitors.
A spokesperson for the club described the day as fantastic, noting the broad participation and the tribute to Hughes: "It was a fantastic day with over 200 people enjoying music, food and drinks throughout the day. ... Roger is a lifelong member of the club who without his input the courts would not have been built."
The courts are now fully operational, and interested individuals can visit www.heswallracketsclub.com or email padel@heswallracketsclub.com for more information.