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Morley Club Plans Padel Tennis Expansion

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. 15/morley-club-plans-padel-tennis-expansion.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 20:42 GMT by Perth Now
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Morley, Western Australia - February 16th, 2026 - The Morley Noranda Recreation Club is spearheading a potential boom in padel tennis within Western Australia, submitting plans for a significant expansion to its facilities. The ambitious project proposes the construction of six dedicated padel courts alongside a retail outlet for equipment, catering to the rapidly growing international trend.

Padel, often described as a hybrid of tennis, squash, and badminton, has experienced explosive growth in popularity across Europe and South America, and is now rapidly gaining traction in Australia. The sport is played on a smaller court than tennis, enclosed by glass and mesh walls, allowing players to utilize the walls as part of the game. This creates a fast-paced, social, and accessible experience that appeals to a broad range of ages and athletic abilities - a key factor in its rising popularity.

The Morley Noranda Recreation Club's proposal is a proactive response to this burgeoning interest. The club recognizes the potential to attract new members and diversify its recreational offerings, ensuring its continued relevance within the local community. The planned development encompasses not just the courts themselves, but also a supporting building to house essential amenities, including a pro shop selling padel rackets, balls, and apparel, as well as changing facilities for players.

"We have a vibrant recreation club and we always want to see what we can do to enhance our offerings to the community," stated City of Stirling mayor Mark Johnson. "Padel is a growing sport and we'll wait to see what the community thinks of it." This cautious optimism reflects a wider trend among local councils who are observing the sport's growing prevalence and weighing the benefits of supporting its development.

The proposal is currently undergoing a public consultation period, with residents encouraged to provide feedback via the City of Stirling's website. This process is crucial, allowing the council to gauge community support and address any potential concerns before making a final decision. Issues likely to be considered will include parking provisions, noise levels, and the visual impact of the new structures on the surrounding environment.

Beyond Morley: The Australian Padel Landscape

The Morley Noranda project is not occurring in isolation. Across Australia, padel is seeing a dramatic increase in courts and player participation. Several factors are driving this growth. The relatively low barrier to entry - the game is easier to pick up than tennis, requiring less technical skill initially - combined with its social and fast-paced nature, makes it incredibly appealing. Furthermore, the smaller court size means padel facilities require less land than traditional tennis courts, making them viable for a wider range of locations.

Currently, padel courts are popping up in major metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, often as standalone facilities or integrated into existing tennis clubs. The Australian Padel Association (APA) is actively working to promote the sport, organize tournaments, and establish national rankings. The APA reports a significant increase in registered players and affiliated clubs over the past two years, signalling a substantial upward trend.

The economic impact of padel is also becoming increasingly apparent. The creation of courts generates construction jobs, while the operation of facilities provides ongoing employment opportunities for coaches, retail staff, and maintenance personnel. The demand for equipment, such as rackets and balls, further stimulates economic activity.

The Future of Padel in WA?

If the Morley Noranda proposal is approved, it could pave the way for a wider adoption of padel throughout Western Australia. A successful facility in Morley would likely serve as a catalyst for similar developments in other suburbs, potentially creating a regional network of padel courts. This, in turn, could attract increased investment in coaching programs and tournaments, further elevating the sport's profile.

The City of Stirling's decision will be closely watched by other local councils across the state, as they evaluate the potential benefits of embracing this exciting new sport. The growing popularity of padel represents a significant opportunity to promote active lifestyles, foster community engagement, and enhance the recreational landscape of Western Australia.