England reports decline in tennis courts as padel facilities increase
The Guardian · September 6, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
England has lost 183 tennis courts over a three-year period, marking the first decline since at least 2000. In the same timeframe, the number of padel facilities has grown significantly, increasing nearly sixfold. The data includes various types of courts across local authorities, community organizations, and private facilities.
Why it matters
This trend may indicate changing preferences in recreational activities and impact sports participation.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a tennis player?
The loss of tennis courts could limit your access to playing facilities, making it harder to find places to practice or compete. This decline may affect your ability to participate in the sport regularly.
How does this story affect you if you are a local community organizer?
The decrease in tennis courts may impact your ability to offer tennis programs or events, potentially reducing opportunities for community engagement in sports. As padel facilities rise, you might need to adapt your offerings to meet changing interests.
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