Padel Champion Celebrates 40th Birthday in Style

It was Padel Party Time at Wargrave Tennis Club last night, as Rich Robinson celebrated his 40th birthday in style, joined by 40 fellow members, friends and family for an evening of padel and pickleball. The occasion marked not just the “BIG 40”, but also a standout achievement on court, with Rich currently sitting top of the Club’s padel ladder on an impressive 2,248 points.

Since launching padel in May 2025, the sport has proved an instant success at Wargrave. The Club has welcomed over 100 new adult members, contributing to an overall membership growth of nearly 50%. Backed by the support of more than 95% of members, plans for a second padel court have now been approved by Wokingham Borough Council, with installation scheduled from 1st June 2026.

Padel at Wargrave remains accessible and community-focused. Courts are available to members from just £10 per hour—equating to only £2.50 per player—with guests welcome for a £5 all-day fee. The format continues to attract strong participation, with over 80 members competing in the Club Padel Championships and many more engaged in the popular internal ladder, where matches are organised and results recorded via Spond and Rankade.

The growth of padel has also complemented the Club’s wider offering of 7 tennis courts and 3 pickleball courts. Nearly 60% of members are now playing both tennis and padel, with new joiners also making full use of the Club’s recently installed clay tennis courts. For those looking to get involved or learn more, further details can be found on our Padel Q&A page.