West Lothian residents can now enjoy the thrill of padel, the world’s fastest-growing sport, in a brand new fully enclosed court at Xcite Bathgate. Following a £30,000 investment from West Lothian Leisure, the state-of-the-art facility is the first covered padel court in the area and one of the few indoor courts in Scotland.
Sergio Tansini, chair of West Lothian Leisure’s board, expressed his excitement about the new addition, highlighting the organization’s commitment to enhancing sporting and leisure opportunities in the county. He encouraged community members of all abilities to give padel a try and thanked West Lothian Council for their support.
Local councillor Harry Cartmill officially opened the court and praised the initiative, noting that padel offers a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to stay active. Primary four pupils from Balbardie Primary School were among the first to experience the sport through taster sessions led by experienced coaches.
Olivia Smart, a level 3 tennis coach and level 2 padel coach, emphasized the inclusivity and low-impact nature of padel, making it suitable for everyone. She highlighted the importance of introducing the sport to children to inspire the next generation of players.
Racquets and balls are available for rental, and bookings can be made online or through Xcite Bathgate reception. With the new padel court now open, West Lothian residents have a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy this exciting sport year-round.