Cinderford RFC Breaking Ground

The hot conditions have been hugely challenging for the CopriSystems team on site and so they have had to adapt their ways of working to ensure everyone stays safe but they are still on track to complete the schedule of work on their latest padel project for Cinderford RFC

– two padel courts built to the side of the rugby pitch, including a canopy structure with retractable sliding doors to ensure the courts can be used throughout the year, no matter the weather or time of day, with the option of allowing natural air flow when conditions are fair.

This week was exciting as they marked the transition from planning to reality through the ceremonial moment of breaking ground.  As many will know, the planning process for padel can be quite challenging and this project has had to face a few hurdles around noise concerns, resulting in a double-glazed glass wall solution.  However, everyone was thrilled to see the ideas on paper finally taking shape, not least of all Jason Douglass from Elevate Sport, who has been the lead consultant on this project from the start, and the team at K W Bell who are backing the club’s vision financially.

The cherished rugby football club in the heart of a Forest of Dean town has big plans to see the venue expand its appeal by reaching out to new demographics in the community and strengthen local connections – key to that is a move to tap into the unstoppable rise of padel.

Club chairman, Rob Beavis, said the club is keen to create expanded facilities which will reach out to a broader cross-section of Forest residents and meet adapting market demands.  "There was some head scratching about the two tennis courts that we have until someone suggested padel - it's such a fast-developing new sport and it really was a light bulb moment for us to decide to create that opportunity right here."  Looking ahead, he said CRFC hoped the initiative can be the springboard for a new Forest of Dean padel club, creating a local league.

Sport England are currently encouraging rugby clubs to invest in padel and local planners recognised that introducing the sport was a logical "next phase in the Club's development, promoting additional self-funded facilities in a highly sustainable location, diversifying the Club's offer and reinforcing its role as a community hub."

Cinderford RFC knows how to nurture talent having been the home club for Sam Underhill and Josh Adams so padel will no doubt be incorporated into the broader training programme as it helps to strengthen teamwork and communication.  With that in mind, CopriSystems are due to have completed the work by August, in time for next season.