Much-anticipated padel tennis courts are expected to open in September.

Sports enthusiasts will be able to play the game, which combines tennis and squash and takes place inside a walled, see-through court, at Whitstable Rugby Club in Chestfield later this year.

Construction is already underway, with teams clearing a pitch that has fallen into disrepair. It will then be transformed into three LED courts with a canopy for year-round play.

National backers of the popular sport Smash Padel are behind the plans, with September earmarked for the opening.

A mobile bar and cafe with a community space will be provided alongside the new courts.

This will prevent spectators from “spilling out” around the courts, keeping noise to a minimum.

Speaking about the plans, Carson Russell, Smash Padel's chief sports officer, said: “We are excited to bring padel to the community in Whitstable, offering Smash Padel sessions and programs for all ages and abilities.”

It’s also hoped that padel will offer the community an “immersive new opportunity to get fit, improve wellbeing with friends and family, and have fun on court”.

The Reeves Way site will be open from 8am to 10pm daily and will operate on a pay-to-play basis.

Children as young as four are encouraged to get involved in Smash Padel’s junior scheme.

There will also be opportunities for competitive players to participate in regional leagues and tournaments.

Up to five jobs could be created, including a full-time coach and part-time bar staff.

Padel is played in an enclosed court smaller than in tennis. It uses a perforated bat, which is smaller but heavier than a tennis racquet, and a lower-pressure ball.

This means that games are slower, emphasising technique rather than physical prowess.

There are reportedly 89,000 padel players in the country already, and there are more than 25 million worldwide, including Lionel Messi and David Beckham.

The new location is not the only place Kent fans can play padel tennis.

Wye Tennis Club, near Ashford, unveiled its new addition in March last year.

Sundridge Park Tennis Club in Bromley also hosts the pastime.

They installed their courts in April 2021.

Smash Padel is looking to add to its inaugural site in Bicester and is planning further courts in Oxford, Sussex, and Cardiff.