Racquet and fitness club operator David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) has announced the launch of padel tennis at its Chigwell site in Essex in conjunction with the Padel England Association.

The group has invested £325,000 in providing three indoor padel courts at the club, which is to offer courses for members run by a coaches trained by the not-for-profit association.

Padel tennis, which has around 10 million players worldwide, is one of the sports and fitness trends identified by DLL for 2012 and is hoping to roll-out the sport to its other clubs.

DLL head of sports, health and fitness Rob Beale said: "Padel tennis is a great way for the whole family to keep fit and easier to play than tennis or squash as less strength is required.

"It's brilliant for improving hand-eye co-ordination, footwork and reaction times. You can guarantee a good cardio workout with padel, and the social and fun aspects are added bonuses."

Details: www.davidlloyd.co.uk

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