FREQUENTLY ASKED -
QUESTIONS

ON THIS SECTION WE AIM TO ADDRESS ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. IF WE HAVE MISSED ANYTHING, PLEASE CONTACT US!

ALL DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOLLOWING CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, WITH A CLEAR EMPHASIS ON SUBSTANCE OVER AESTHETICS, WHILE STILL DELIVERING A HIGH-QUALITY AND VISUALLY APPEALING CLUB.

FREQUENTLY ASKED – QUESTIONS

Why have you chosen the Eynsham Sawmill site?

The Eynsham Sawmill site has been chosen after years of searching. It ticks all of the boxes in terms of size (needed well over an acre), price (development land is mostly unaffordable due to housing crisis), location (we wanted somewhere beautiful and inspiring to spend lots of time at) and access (many other potential locations have poor road links or are too remote).

Who do you envisage will use the club?

Our club is aimed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Padel is a game which can be enjoyed by every generation and is relatively easy to learn. Our clubhouse will also be welcoming to non padel players to come and have some food and drink and also enjoy spectating!

What makes this club different from other padel clubs?

A genuinely local, community-driven vision. Built on passion, not corporate ownership. A world-class facility in a rural village setting. A Social Club Built Around People, Not Just Courts. High-Quality Coaching, Without Compromise. Hospitality-Led, Detail-Driven.

How do you ensure coaching quality remains high?

Paul brings over 30 years of coaching experience, which he will passionately share with the coaching team. With only one club to focus on, his time and attention will not be diluted. Coaches are carefully selected to share the same values, passion, and high standards, ensuring consistency and continuity across all programmes.

How will the club benefit the local community?

We are committed to being a genuine community asset. This includes a structured school outreach programme, providing a welcoming social space for people to meet and connect, and offering padel as an accessible new skill for all ages. The club will create local jobs while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing through regular, social sport.

Will the club be covered or outdoor?

We plan to open with four covered courts. Playing on wet courts significantly affects the game, particularly when using the glass, which is a fundamental part of padel. Covered courts ensure consistent playing conditions, better-quality matches, and reliable year-round coaching and social sessions.

Is the club suitable for beginners?

Yes. Padel is one of the most accessible sports to learn, and the club will offer structured beginner sessions, social play, and coaching programmes designed to help new players feel confident and included from the start.

Will juniors be a key part of the club?

Absolutely. We plan to offer families half-price courts to make padel far more affordable for children. While adults can easily split court costs four ways, booking a full court as a family is often prohibitive — something we want to change. Junior development is central to the club’s mission, supported by structured coaching pathways, school partnerships, holiday camps, and a strong focus on providing a safe, supportive environment for young players.

How will your social sessions be special?

We place huge emphasis on making our social sessions genuinely enjoyable. A clear, coach-led rating system means members are placed into socials that suit their level, with free quarterly ratings to keep things accurate. We will also run open socials for those who simply enjoy mixing and playing with a wide range of players. With a strong player base, multiple courts, and a welcoming clubhouse, it is easier to find good games and stay on afterwards for food, drink, and socialising.

When will the club open?

We have agreed Heads of Terms with the Eynsham Park Estate and have funding in place. The next step is finalising full plans and submitting a planning application. Demonstrating local community interest through early membership sign-ups will strongly support this process. Subject to planning approval, we aim to open in spring 2027.

What is your thought process on the design?

The design is shaped by years of experience and research. The clubhouse sits at the heart of the club, with clear views over the courts, making it ideal for watching coaching sessions, matches, and children’s lessons. Courts are well spaced and professionally installed, with high-quality panoramic design, proper drainage, and effective lighting. Canopies will use a 60% opaque roof to improve contrast and visibility — a detail often overlooked elsewhere. Landscaping, furnishings, and finishes are all carefully considered so the club feels both high quality and welcoming, a place people genuinely enjoy spending time in.

How much is the membership and what will it include?

Individual membership will be £360 per year, with family membership at £600 per year.
Membership benefits include advanced booking priority, discounted court hire, a free quarterly rating session with one of our coaches, discount on food, drink, and the pro shop, access to members-only social sessions, and eligibility to represent the club in team matches against other clubs.

Will membership be limited?

Yes, membership will be capped to protect court access and playing quality.
In phase one, membership will be limited to 400 players, equivalent to 100 members per court. When phase two adds four additional courts, membership will expand by a further 400 players. Non-members will also be welcome to play at the club; however, they will not have access to priority booking, reduced court rates, or the majority of organised social sessions.

What happens to my membership fee if the club does not go ahead?

If the club does not proceed, you can request a full refund at any time.
All membership payments will be held securely and will not be used until the club officially opens and you confirm that you wish to activate your membership.

Why have you chosen not to locate the club in a warehouse like so many others?

We see the club as people’s “third place” — somewhere they want to spend time, not just play and leave. Our stunning setting helps creates a far more enjoyable environment for socialising while still delivering a very high-quality padel experience. Warehouse-based clubs carry high rental and business rate costs, which inevitably push prices up. By avoiding this model, we can keep padel more affordable while offering a better overall experience for our members.

Will the club be open to non-members?

Yes. Non-members will be able to book courts and are welcome to eat and drink in the clubhouse. Members benefit from advanced booking priority, discounted court hire and food and drink, and access to members-only social sessions following their complimentary rating sessions.

How will noise be managed?

Padel itself generates very little noise — the sound most people notice comes from players enjoying the game and light background music. Based on extensive experience at many clubs, noise issues are rare and usually linked to enclosed urban settings where sound can reverberate off nearby buildings. With open surroundings, existing trees, and generous space around the courts, we do not expect noise to be an issue. A professional noise assessment will be carried out, and additional landscaping will be introduced if required to further absorb sound.

How will traffic and parking be handled?

The club is designed to primarily serve the local area. Through local marketing, school outreach programmes, and free trial sessions for nearby villages, we expect most members to live within a short distance. A substantial car park will be provided, and members will be encouraged to cycle, with secure bike storage on site. Due to the nature of padel and the limited number of players per court, arrivals and departures are naturally staggered, meaning there will not be large volumes of people arriving or leaving at the same time.

Will the courts be floodlit, and when will lights be switched off?

Yes, the courts will be floodlit to allow year-round play. Lighting is essential during the winter months, and padel floodlights are mounted at approximately 6 metres high, significantly lower than tennis lighting, which helps minimise visual impact and light spill. Play will be permitted between 7am and 11pm, with automated timers in place to ensure the lights cannot be used outside these hours.

How does this development improve the site?

The site is a former sawmill that has been derelict for several years and is currently in a poor state of repair. Repurposing it as a padel club will transform an underused brownfield site into an attractive, well-maintained facility that can be enjoyed by hundreds of local people. The development will enhance the appearance of the site while providing valuable opportunities for exercise, social interaction, and community use, delivering far greater local benefit than alternative uses.

Is the club being built for profit?

The club is privately funded and owned, but it is not being built as a short-term profit-driven venture. While we hope to recoup our investment over time and run a sustainable business, the project is fundamentally driven by passion and a desire to create something special for the local community to enjoy for many years to come.

Can complete beginners join?

Absolutely — complete beginners are very welcome. We will regularly run free “Intro to Padel” sessions, led by a professional coach, covering the rules and basic tactics to help new players get started with confidence. From there, the coach will advise on the best next steps, whether that’s group coaching, social sessions, individual lessons, or being introduced to other players at a similar level.

Why are you planning to build up to eight courts?

Building up to eight courts allows us to create a true padel club, rather than just a standalone facility.
With eight courts in use, we can have up to 32 players on court at the same time, which helps create a vibrant, social atmosphere and brings real energy into the clubhouse. This level of activity is essential for building a strong club culture where players naturally mix, socialise and feel part of a community.
It also gives us the flexibility to cater for everyone at the same time. For example, while junior coaching sessions are running, we can offer simultaneous coaching for parents and still keep courts available for social or casual play.
We know of many clubs with only three to five courts where busy junior programmes unintentionally restrict access for regular members or guests. We don’t believe it should be a choice between juniors, adults or social players.
Our aim is simple: everyone should be able to co-exist, play regularly, and enjoy the club without compromise.

Are you seeking additional investment?

Phase one of the build is already fully funded. For phase two — which includes four additional courts and the clubhouse — we may look to borrow or consider further investment. We would be happy to speak with like-minded individuals who share our vision for quality and community, rather than a purely financial focus.

Why have you chosen the Eynsham Sawmill site?

The Eynsham Sawmill site has been chosen after years of searching. It ticks all of the boxes in terms of size (needed well over an acre), price (development land is mostly unaffordable due to housing crisis), location (we wanted somewhere beautiful and inspiring to spend lots of time at) and access (many other potential locations have poor road links or are too remote).

Who do you envisage will use the club?

Our club is aimed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Padel is a game which can be enjoyed by every generation and is relatively easy to learn. Our clubhouse will also be welcoming to non padel players to come and have some food and drink and also enjoy spectating!

What makes this club different from other padel clubs?

A genuinely local, community-driven vision. Built on passion, not corporate ownership. A world-class facility in a rural village setting. A Social Club Built Around People, Not Just Courts. High-Quality Coaching, Without Compromise. Hospitality-Led, Detail-Driven.

How do you ensure coaching quality remains high?

Paul brings over 30 years of coaching experience, which he will passionately share with the coaching team. With only one club to focus on, his time and attention will not be diluted. Coaches are carefully selected to share the same values, passion, and high standards, ensuring consistency and continuity across all programmes.

How will the club benefit the local community?

We are committed to being a genuine community asset. This includes a structured school outreach programme, providing a welcoming social space for people to meet and connect, and offering padel as an accessible new skill for all ages. The club will create local jobs while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing through regular, social sport.

Will the club be covered or outdoor?

We plan to open with four covered courts. Playing on wet courts significantly affects the game, particularly when using the glass, which is a fundamental part of padel. Covered courts ensure consistent playing conditions, better-quality matches, and reliable year-round coaching and social sessions.

Is the club suitable for beginners?

Yes. Padel is one of the most accessible sports to learn, and the club will offer structured beginner sessions, social play, and coaching programmes designed to help new players feel confident and included from the start.

Will juniors be a key part of the club?

Absolutely. We plan to offer families half-price courts to make padel far more affordable for children. While adults can easily split court costs four ways, booking a full court as a family is often prohibitive — something we want to change. Junior development is central to the club’s mission, supported by structured coaching pathways, school partnerships, holiday camps, and a strong focus on providing a safe, supportive environment for young players.

How will your social sessions be special?

We place huge emphasis on making our social sessions genuinely enjoyable. A clear, coach-led rating system means members are placed into socials that suit their level, with free quarterly ratings to keep things accurate. We will also run open socials for those who simply enjoy mixing and playing with a wide range of players. With a strong player base, multiple courts, and a welcoming clubhouse, it is easier to find good games and stay on afterwards for food, drink, and socialising.

When will the club open?

We have agreed Heads of Terms with the Eynsham Park Estate and have funding in place. The next step is finalising full plans and submitting a planning application. Demonstrating local community interest through early membership sign-ups will strongly support this process. Subject to planning approval, we aim to open in spring 2027.

What is your thought process on the design?

The design is shaped by years of experience and research. The clubhouse sits at the heart of the club, with clear views over the courts, making it ideal for watching coaching sessions, matches, and children’s lessons. Courts are well spaced and professionally installed, with high-quality panoramic design, proper drainage, and effective lighting. Canopies will use a 60% opaque roof to improve contrast and visibility — a detail often overlooked elsewhere. Landscaping, furnishings, and finishes are all carefully considered so the club feels both high quality and welcoming, a place people genuinely enjoy spending time in.

How much is the membership and what will it include?

Individual membership will be £360 per year, with family membership at £600 per year.
Membership benefits include advanced booking priority, discounted court hire, a free quarterly rating session with one of our coaches, discount on food, drink, and the pro shop, access to members-only social sessions, and eligibility to represent the club in team matches against other clubs.

Will membership be limited?

Yes, membership will be capped to protect court access and playing quality.
In phase one, membership will be limited to 400 players, equivalent to 100 members per court. When phase two adds four additional courts, membership will expand by a further 400 players. Non-members will also be welcome to play at the club; however, they will not have access to priority booking, reduced court rates, or the majority of organised social sessions.

What happens to my membership fee if the club does not go ahead?

If the club does not proceed, you can request a full refund at any time.
All membership payments will be held securely and will not be used until the club officially opens and you confirm that you wish to activate your membership.

Why have you chosen not to locate the club in a warehouse like so many others?

We see the club as people’s “third place” — somewhere they want to spend time, not just play and leave. Our stunning setting helps creates a far more enjoyable environment for socialising while still delivering a very high-quality padel experience. Warehouse-based clubs carry high rental and business rate costs, which inevitably push prices up. By avoiding this model, we can keep padel more affordable while offering a better overall experience for our members.

Will the club be open to non-members?

Yes. Non-members will be able to book courts and are welcome to eat and drink in the clubhouse. Members benefit from advanced booking priority, discounted court hire and food and drink, and access to members-only social sessions following their complimentary rating sessions.

How will noise be managed?

Padel itself generates very little noise — the sound most people notice comes from players enjoying the game and light background music. Based on extensive experience at many clubs, noise issues are rare and usually linked to enclosed urban settings where sound can reverberate off nearby buildings. With open surroundings, existing trees, and generous space around the courts, we do not expect noise to be an issue. A professional noise assessment will be carried out, and additional landscaping will be introduced if required to further absorb sound.

How will traffic and parking be handled?

The club is designed to primarily serve the local area. Through local marketing, school outreach programmes, and free trial sessions for nearby villages, we expect most members to live within a short distance. A substantial car park will be provided, and members will be encouraged to cycle, with secure bike storage on site. Due to the nature of padel and the limited number of players per court, arrivals and departures are naturally staggered, meaning there will not be large volumes of people arriving or leaving at the same time.

How does this development improve the site?

The site is a former sawmill that has been derelict for several years and is currently in a poor state of repair. Repurposing it as a padel club will transform an underused brownfield site into an attractive, well-maintained facility that can be enjoyed by hundreds of local people. The development will enhance the appearance of the site while providing valuable opportunities for exercise, social interaction, and community use, delivering far greater local benefit than alternative uses.

Is the club being built for profit?

The club is privately funded and owned, but it is not being built as a short-term profit-driven venture. While we hope to recoup our investment over time and run a sustainable business, the project is fundamentally driven by passion and a desire to create something special for the local community to enjoy for many years to come.

Can complete beginners join?

Absolutely — complete beginners are very welcome. We will regularly run free “Intro to Padel” sessions, led by a professional coach, covering the rules and basic tactics to help new players get started with confidence. From there, the coach will advise on the best next steps, whether that’s group coaching, social sessions, individual lessons, or being introduced to other players at a similar level.

Will the courts be floodlit, and when will lights be switched off?

Yes, the courts will be floodlit to allow year-round play. Lighting is essential during the winter months, and padel floodlights are mounted at approximately 6 metres high, significantly lower than tennis lighting, which helps minimise visual impact and light spill. Play will be permitted between 7am and 11pm, with automated timers in place to ensure the lights cannot be used outside these hours.

Are you seeking additional investment?

Phase one of the build is already fully funded. For phase two — which includes four additional courts and the clubhouse — we may look to borrow or consider further investment. We would be happy to speak with like-minded individuals who share our vision for quality and community, rather than a purely financial focus.

Why are you planning to build up to eight courts?

Building up to eight courts allows us to create a true padel club, rather than just a standalone facility.
With eight courts in use, we can have up to 32 players on court at the same time, which helps create a vibrant, social atmosphere and brings real energy into the clubhouse. This level of activity is essential for building a strong club culture where players naturally mix, socialise and feel part of a community.
It also gives us the flexibility to cater for everyone at the same time. For example, while junior coaching sessions are running, we can offer simultaneous coaching for parents and still keep courts available for social or casual play.
We know of many clubs with only three to five courts where busy junior programmes unintentionally restrict access for regular members or guests. We don’t believe it should be a choice between juniors, adults or social players.
Our aim is simple: everyone should be able to co-exist, play regularly, and enjoy the club without compromise.