Padel @Motspur Park – Old Blues RFC, Arthur Road
Community meeting: 11am Saturday 13th September 2025
We hope that you will be pleased to hear about our proposal for a Padel club at Old Blues Rugby Football Club and we would like to share our plans with you, the local community. We welcome your views and would like your feedback, as well as to address any concerns or questions that you may have.
OBRFC are looking to make better use of their excellent facility and to diversify into other sports that improves use by more people and by the local community. Padel is the fastest growing sport in the country and offers all sections of the community, including children, the opportunity to participate in a fun, social, physical activity. The centre will be open to all and will be providing access to many community groups. We will also hold introductory sessions and community events to encourage all to be involved with this great sport.
The planning application will propose the construction of 6 padel tennis courts next to the Old Blues Rugby Football Club clubhouse, complete with the necessary enclosures, lighting and supporting infrastructure including a proshop, coffee shop, bar, reception, changing facilities and office. The padel courts will replace the overgrown mounds in the corner of the car park and a small part of the parking area next to the rugby clubhouse. Please see drawings attached.
As part of the application we have committed to upgrade the remaining car parking area together with the access road.
We are hoping to submit a full planning application by the end of September and to be operational in Spring 2026.
OBRFC works with Sports bank and Dons Local Action Group action group creating access to sport in Motspur Park.
As part of its upcoming planning application to develop new padel courts at its Motspur Park sports venue, Old Blues is proposing a community-first approach that removes financial barriers to participation and strengthens its commitment to social impact.
Through a new partnership with Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) and Sport Local Action’s Sports Bank initiative, Old Blues will offer:
A 20% discount for DLAG volunteers, recognising their contribution to the community.
Free access to courts for individuals supported by DLAG, and for those supported by DLAG’s community partner organisations.
These free places will be capped and distributed via Sports Bank, which will also lead on promotion, targeting pupil premium households and local schools to reach families most in need.
Taster sessions will be available for both DLAG volunteers and low-income households, offering a first step into sport without financial pressure. All bookings will be made directly, with Sports Bank supporting outreach and access to kit via crowdfunding or donations.
Old Blues will also become a Sports Bank Game Changers club—publicly demonstrating its commitment to tearing down financial barriers that prevent young people from participating in sport. This aligns the club with others nationwide taking bold steps for inclusion.
In addition, Old Blues will be recognised as a DLAG Partner Club—encouraging its members to volunteer, donate or fundraise in support of DLAG’s work tackling poverty across South West London.
Old Blues is committed to meeting both the must-do and optional criteria set out by Sports Bank—showcasing a model of how local sports venues can be part of long-term, sustainable community change.
General information
What is Padel tennis?
Padel tennis is the fastest-growing sport in the UK. It is played mainly as doubles, on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. The serve is underarm and the court walls are used as part of the game with the ball allowed to rebound. Specific padel bats, nets and balls are used.
Advantages include:
- Easy to learn and play, fun and sociable
- Enjoyable to both those that have played other racquet sports or complete beginners
- Accessible to all ages and fitness levels
- Physical Benefits
- Fun, fast-paced and exciting to play
Improved Cardiovascular Health:
The constant movement, jumping, and quick reflexes required in padel provide a great cardiovascular workout, strengthening the heart and increasing overall endurance.
Enhanced Coordination and Agility:
Padel demands precise movements and quick changes in direction, which helps to improve coordination, agility, and overall balance.
Muscle Strength and Endurance:
Regular play builds muscle strength in the legs, arms, and core, while also boosting endurance, allowing for longer and more sustained play.
Low-Impact Exercise:
The sport is a low-impact activity, with the lighter rackets and smaller court putting less stress on joints compared to other sports.
Calorie Burning:
Padel is an excellent way to burn calories, with estimates ranging from 700 to 1,000 calories per hour depending on the intensity of the game.
Mental & Social Benefits
Stress Relief:
Padel serves as a form of anti-stress therapy, allowing players to focus on the game and unwind.
Social Engagement:
Since padel is primarily played in doubles, it's a highly social sport that encourages teamwork, communication, and strengthens bonds with friends.
New Friendships:
The inherent social nature of padel, including post-match catch-ups, provides opportunities to meet new people and expand your social network.
Improved Mood and Confidence:
Physical activity, especially when done with others, is known to boost mental well-being, leading to feelings of confidence and overall positivity.
Accessibility
Easy to Learn:
Padel is known for its simplicity, making it easy for beginners and people with limited sports experience to quickly grasp the basics and enjoy dynamic rallies.
Suitable for All Ages and Abilities:
The smaller court size and use of walls that allow for second chances reduce the need for the same power as traditional tennis, making it suitable for people of various fitness levels and ages to play together.
Padel for kids
Ideal for families, especially children, padel is a the perfect activity that offers fun and excitement for players of all ages. It’s an easy to pick up sport that combines excitement, energy and teamwork, while also teaching your kids valuable life skills.
It’s an inclusive sport that lets children of all ages and abilities jump right in and have fun on court. For parents, padel is also a fantastic opportunity to bond, stay active and enjoy some quality time together as a family.
Disability padel
Padel is a fully inclusive sport. Its smaller court size, easy-to-understand rules and doubles format make it a highly accessible sport that offers several physical and social benefits. Whether you’re a wheelchair user or have a long-term health condition, there is a space for you to play and thrive on the padel court.
What makes padel so accessible?
It’s flexible and adaptable. The rules can be adjusted to make sure everyone can take part and enjoy playing the sport - for example, in wheelchair padel, the ball is allowed to bounce twice before you hit the ball.
We will be offering general booking access, memberships, group events and much much more. All are welcome.
There are also app’s available to connect with other players and make court bookings.
We welcome your views on this exciting new development.
Please kindly send any comments to stuart@padelunited.co.uk
We welcome your views on this exciting new development.
Please kindly send any comments to stuart@padelunited.co.uk