Game4Padel, the UK’s leading operator of padel clubs, will be opening the three new padel courts at Withdean Sports Complex, next month – in partnership with Freedom Leisure and the council.  

These will be the first covered courts in the area and are expected to be hugely popular with the existing Withdean community and beyond, as demand for padel far exceeds supply in the city. 

Highly successful 

Game4Padel previously operated a single, temporary court at Withdean, until May 2024, which ran at an average of 90% occupancy. The company also operates the highly successful padel and tennis facilities at Hove Beach Park (which were at 97% occupancy throughout the summer). 

Game4Padel has a further 26 venues around the UK.  

State-of-the-art canopy

The new padel courts at Withdean have a state-of-the-art canopy flown in from Europe, to allow play all year round, and will be floodlit. There will also be a storage/office hub on site, selling and hiring rackets and balls. 

The padel courts will add to the existing facilities at Withdean which include small sided3G football pitches, squash, tennis, a gym, Level Up soft play, a climbing wall and an athletics track.  

Plans for a new community swimming pool have also been approved with work due to start in the spring. 

Centre of excellence

Commenting on the new courts at Withdean, Game4Padel CEO Michael Gradon said: “I know the padel community at Withdean have been eagerly anticipating the opening date, so I’m delighted to be able to update them on the launch. 

“With these new facilities and the courts at Hove Beach Park which we also operate, Brighton & Hove is fast becoming a centre of excellence for padel.”

Great news!  

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries said: “It’s great news that these three new covered courts will be opening early in February, helping to meet the huge demand for padel in the city. 

“It also marks another step forward in our commitment to improve sporting facilities and opportunities for residents across the city, helping them to stay active and healthy.”