Edinburgh getting two new courts for 'trendy sport that has taken over the world'
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Edinburgh is set to welcome new courts for a trendy sport that has taken over the world in recent years.
Padel courts are to be launched in Portobello and Sighthill by the end of 2025, after a £2.2million investment in the sport from Powerleague.
Padel is a Mexican racket sport that is played on an enclosed court, slightly smaller than a tennis court. While it shares similarities with tennis, the rules, strokes and technique are different.
It began rising in popularity during the pandemic, due to being outdoors and requiring no physical contact.
Powerleague hope to make the sport 'more accessible', and bring it to thousands of new players. Sighthill will welcome four courts in October, with three in Portobello opening in July.
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They will also include refurbished bars and clubhouses, creating 'vibrant social hubs'.
On the Scottish investment, Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, said: "Padel is experiencing explosive global growth, with over 25 million players across more than 100 countries and a compound annual growth rate of 26 per cent.
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"Its rapid rise comes down to its simplicity, social nature, and sheer fun, making it a perfect match for Powerleague's dynamic, community- focused venues. We're committed to making the sport more accessible and saw a great opportunity to bring Padel to more locations across Scotland.
"We're excited to support the sport's growth and reach new communities. Football will also be at the heart of Powerleague, but we're excited to expand our offer and introduce a new way for people to stay active, connect and have fun, all aligning with our ambitions to create a healthier, more inclusive society.'
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