New Chichester padel courts ready for grand opening

The club’s newest member-funded development will be marked by a free community open day on Saturday, November 14.

It is an ambitious £772,000 development funded entirely by its members.

The new competition-standard courts will provide year-round playing opportunities for everyone from complete beginners and social players to experienced competitors, strengthening the club's sporting reputation.

The courts will open to members only this week, with pay and play available to the public from this Saturday (November 7).

Members enjoy the benefit of being able to book courts up to 14 days in advance, compared with seven days for pay and play users, offering greater flexibility and priority access to the new facilities.

The independent members' club will mark the development with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony this Saturday, bringing together a distinguished gathering of local representatives and supporters.

Confirmed guests include Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller, the Mayor of Chichester Cllr Sean McHale and Mayoress Michaela McHale alongside representatives from Chichester District Council, local charities, community organisations, club members, coaches, committee representatives and the contractors Trevor May & Fordingbridge who helped bring the project to life.

The development has been made possible through the support of almost 100 members who pledged funds towards the project, contributing through debentures and long-term memberships to raise £772,000 without the club needing external borrowing.

Their collective commitment reflects the strength of the club's community spirit and a shared ambition to invest in its future.

Terri Wheeler, 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."

Chichester's V2 Radio will broadcast live from the club on Friday, November 13, for a taste of the excitement ahead of the open day.

The free open day on Saturday 14 is open to members and non-members, with a full programme of family-friendly activities in all sports planned throughout the day, including coaching sessions and dedicated junior sessions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the squash, tennis and padel courts, get involved in the activities and discover more about the club and its playing and social membership options.

The new padel courts will offer opportunities for coaching, social play and graded competitions, while introducing more people to the club's wider facilities, including tennis, squash, racketball and fitness.

For further information, visit www.crafc.co.uk or email [email protected].