Four covered padel courts at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club open to the public on 7 November, paid for by members. A free open day follows on 14 November.

Four new covered padel courts at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club in Oaklands Park open to members this week, and anyone can book them on Pay & Play from Saturday 7 November. The club’s members paid for the whole £772,000 build themselves, and it is holding a free open day for everyone on Saturday 14 November.

The quick answer

  • What: four new covered, competition-standard padel courts at Chichester Racquets & Fitness Club (CRAFC).
  • Members: playing from this week. They can book up to 14 days ahead.
  • Everyone else: Pay & Play from Saturday 7 November, bookable up to seven days ahead.
  • Open day: Saturday 14 November, free, open to members and non-members.
  • Where: Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AR. Details at crafc.co.uk or reception@crafc.co.uk.

The club says almost 100 members pledged towards the project, through debentures and long-term memberships, and raised the £772,000 without the club taking on any external borrowing. CRAFC was founded in 1964 and is an independent club run by its members, with tennis, padel, squash, racketball, a gym and fitness classes.

The covered courts sit alongside the two floodlit outdoor artificial grass padel courts the club opened in late 2020, according to its padel page. Because they are under a roof, the new ones can be played all year. The club says they will be used for coaching, social play and graded competitions, and for everyone from complete beginners to experienced players.

Terri Wheeler, the club manager, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally share these fantastic new courts. What makes this moment particularly special is knowing that our members have made it possible. Their support has been extraordinary, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new players to enjoy the facilities.

“Whether you’re an experienced player or have never tried padel before, we’d love you to come along, discover the sport and experience the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes CRAFC so special.”

Ribbon cutting on 7 November

The club will hold an official ribbon cutting on Saturday 7 November, the same day Pay & Play opens. Its confirmed guests are Jess Brown-Fuller, the MP for Chichester; the Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Sean McHale, and the Mayoress, Michaela McHale; and representatives of Chichester District Council, local charities and community groups. Members, coaches and the committee will be there too, with the contractors who built the courts, Trevor May and Fordingbridge.

The free open day on 14 November

The open day on Saturday 14 November is free and open to members and non-members. The club’s website says there will be free play, junior coaching and family mix-ins running all day, with padel, tennis, squash and racketball all on offer. Visitors can look round the courts and find out about the club’s playing and social memberships.

The day before, Friday 13 November, V2 Radio will broadcast live from the club.