New type of tennis is coming to Liverpool backed by Reds star Van Dijk

A different type of tennis that’s huge across America and Europe is coming to Liverpool, backed by Reds’ star Virgil Van Dijk.

The Liverpool defender is an ambassador for Game4Padel which plans to create padel courts at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth.

Described as a cross between tennis and squash, padel is played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court.

It’s easy to learn, which makes it great for all ages, it’s super-fast and it’s been tipped as the world’s quickest growing sport.

Padel’s also got lots of celebrity fans, including David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and tennis legends Rafa Nadal, Andy and Jamie Murray and Serena Williams, as well as Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp and his Dutch number 4.

Van Dijk’s definitely keen on the sport, so much so that he joined Game4Padel, which is the UK’s number one provider of padel courts, as an investor last year.

He explained: “I first played padel in the Netherlands, and really enjoyed it. It’s fast-paced, fun and a good way to relax off the football pitch. We have padel courts at the Liverpool training ground, and I’m really pleased there are more facilities coming to the city for everyone to enjoy.”

Game4Padel has now secured planning permission to open three padel courts at Liverpool Cricket Club on Aigburth Road.

The game originally started in Mexico and swept through South America and before spreading into Europe. Spain is estimated to have more than 20,000 padel courts, and around six million active players – it is now the country’s second biggest participation sport after football. Padel is played in 91 countries and is the fastest growing sport in countries such as Sweden and Italy.

The three padel courts at Liverpool CC would add to the club’s existing facilities which include squash and tennis courts, a bowling green, and rugby and lacrosse pitches.

The Cricket Club has been on the map for tennis since the prestigious Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, seen as a warm-up for Wimbledon, moved there from Calderstones Park back in 2017.

Speaking about the new courts, Mike Harrison, chair of the tennis section at Liverpool Cricket Club said: “Padel is going to be a great addition to our facilities. We have seen how popular the game is becoming all around the UK and we believe the courts will be really busy here where we have a lot of family members.

“The benefits of padel are that it’s really sociable, great fun and easy to pick up – you don’t need any previous racket experience – so we encourage as many people as possible to come and try it out.”