Watford is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its sporting landscape, with PadelStars having recently commenced construction of five new padel tennis courts at Woodside Playing Fields...
This will be on the site of the former Owls Bowls Club.
Padel, the dynamic racquet sport that blends tennis and squash, is played on a court a third the size of a tennis court and includes wall play as a key feature. Popular across Europe and growing rapidly in the UK, the sport is renowned for being easy to learn, great exercise, and fun for players of all ages and abilities. It’s typically played as doubles hence has also developed the reputation of being very sociable.
The new Watford facility will feature two open-air and three covered floodlit courts, designed to full international specifications. The existing clubhouse is being refurbished to provide toilet and changing facilities, as well as a café and bar, creating a vibrant hub for players and the wider community.
Construction is underway, with the courts expected to open by March 2026. PadelStars, which already operates nine padel centres across the UK with 30 courts and several more in the pipeline, is committed to building inclusive, community-focused venues.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor and Councillor Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Parks, with representatives from Padelstars
The Watford venue will offer free taster sessions, free hire of equipment for the initial months, affordable court fees and a wide range of coaching programmes, competitions and social events. There will be membership options for those who would like to join the club, but there will be no need to be a member, courts will be available on a pay and play basis.
There are also plans to engage local schools, offer holiday camps, run themed events for different groups and provide disability access throughout. A player development pathway will also be created for young people interested in taking their game to the next level.
Andy Knee, CEO of PadelStars said: “Our padel clubs are for everyone. We want our courts buzzing from morning until night with local residents, students, schoolchildren, retirees, people working from home, commuters, stay at home Mums and everyone in between. Whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or are looking to compete at a high level, you’ll be very welcome at PadelStars Watford.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “This is fantastic news for local padel players and anyone who wants to try the sport. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. It’s fun, fast-paced and inclusive. PadelStars is already delivering high-quality courts across the country and bringing that success to Watford is a big win for our community.
“We’re continuing to invest in our local leisure facilities because we’re determined to improve the accessibility, availability and variety of sport on offer. These new courts will help us do exactly that.”
Councillor Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Parks, said: "The demand for Padel court time is huge, and by bringing five new courts to North Watford, we’re meeting that demand head-on and giving our residents a brilliant new way to stay active, healthy and connected. We want to make sure our leisure facilities reflect the interests and energy of our community, and this investment is another example of how we’re doing that."
For more information, please visit padelstars.co.uk.
