A center in Kent will be the latest to celebrate the rise of a fast-growing racquet sport sweeping the country with new state-of-the-art facilities.

Whitstable Rugby Club will soon host LED-lit padel courts, where visitors can play the omnipresent mashup of squash and tennis.

It is hoped this new venture at the Reeves Way venue will benefit the mental and physical health of locals, as well as provide tuition and classes for schools.

National backers of the popular sport Padeltastic will be operating the three courts, which could be up and running in just “a month or so”.

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

It means games are slower with an emphasis on technique rather than physical prowess.

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

In Whitstable, three courts will be built on a former mini rugby pitch, which has “fallen into disrepair”.

Documents lodged by BVA Planning on behalf of Padeltastic and the club say: “An opportunity exists here to replace an outdated and unused space that makes no contribution to sporting facilities in the area.

“The proposed facility will enhance the offer of the club to local people.”

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.

The game will be played all week from 7am to 10pm, with all activity supervised by staff.

Three state-of-the-art playing turfs will take up 842 square metres with “discreet” LED lighting.

Padeltastic describes the glass-covered space as a “crystal palace” adding: “The canopied courts benefit from protection but will still enjoy an outdoor feel thanks to the open sides.

“In particularly bad weather, optional side panels can be dropped down.”

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

Documents claim the sport can be played by anyone, from five years of age to 95.

It is also “ideal to help people with physical & learning disabilities” and will “encourage healthy living, vitality and community spirit.”

Bosses promise to liaise with local authorities to deliver a dedicated service for those users.

Padeltastic states: “This will bring a more diversified and inclusive sports offering.

“It will add a complimentary sport to improve the offering for existing members and occasional users as well as the opportunity for local leagues, company leagues, events and tournaments.”

Upon approving the scheme a planning officer from Canterbury City Council said: “Although an existing mini 5v5 pitch shall be lost as a result of the development, there is sufficient provision of these pitches located in the district and future demand is predicted to remain the same.

“Overall, there is unlikely to be any additional impacts upon highways, access, and parking given the existing use and context of the site.

“It is my recommendation that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

It is thought construction for the surfaces will take about a month and erecting the canopies in just two days.

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

Wye Tennis Club unveiled its new addition in March this year.

Sundridge Park Tennis Club in Bromley also hosts the pastime.

They installed their courts in April 2021.