The aim of this statement is to inform our long-standing membership base of the forthcoming developments at Sandbach RUFC. This statement and FAQ sheet is aimed to coincide with the submission of a planning application from Sandbach Padel to Cheshire East Council in early May 2025.

General Questions
• What is padel?
Padel is one of the fast-growing sports in the UK which has similarities to both tennis and squash. It is played on a smaller court than tennis and is commonly played in ‘doubles’ form. Players enjoy the use of a glass/cage as part of the court, and it is popular amongst all ages and genders.
• Why is the club investing in a padel court?
The club is not using any of its money to fund this project. All planning, construction, maintenance, and marketing costs are being funded by Sandbach Padel Club. Sandbach RUFC will benefit from a long-term lease which will be both commercially and socially beneficial to Sandbach RUFC and all its members.
• What are the benefits for members?
Accessibility to on-site courts, alongside the current facilities which include free parking, gym, clubhouse, and catering.
• Why Sandbach RUFC?
Various business proposals were presented to the board of directors, and it was evident that having Sandbach Padel Club alongside Sandbach Health and Fitness, as two separate long-term businesses with a financial commitment, would provide a high level of commercial, social, and community benefit. The owners of Sandbach Padel Club are well known to us and are long term supporters of the club. We wished to act fast upon this for the benefit of the whole club.
• Where are these courts to be located?
Various locations on site were discussed and surveyed, although the most obvious and preferred location is directly in front of Sandbach Health and Fitness, where the current ‘mini pitch’ is sited.

Usage and Accessibility
• Will the padel court be open to all members, or will there be additional fees?
Yes, the courts will be available to members and non-members from the local community. Court fees will apply. Sandbach Padel Club is a separate entity to Sandbach RUFC
• What times will the courts be available?
It is hoped these will be available at similar times to that of Sandbach Health and Fitness. Exact opening hours are to be confirmed and, to an extent, will be determined by planning conditions imposed.
• How can members book the court? Will there be an online system?
It is likely that Sandbach Padel Club will operate through the popular ‘playtomic app’ but it will also be possible to book in person, by telephone, or via email with reception at Sandbach Health and Fitness
• Will equipment be provided, or do members need their own?
There will be provision to hire or purchase equipment via Sandbach Health and Fitness reception. There will be some restrictions on footwear to preserve the Astroturf flooring. Similar to those who play regular tennis or squash, those using the court on a regular basis will, naturally, get to a stage when they feel that having their own equipment (balls/padel) will aid their performance. There are also plans for coaching sessions, open evenings, and club nights with the aim of growing the game.

Construction and Planning
• How long will the construction take, and will it disrupt other club activities?
A formal planning application was sent on Thursday 1st May 2025, it is hoped that further information will be provided on the progress of this application in 8/10 weeks' time and, once construction commences, this will take 6/8 weeks. Every effort will be made to minimise the impact this has on the day to day running of Sandbach RUFC, Sandbach Health and Fitness and also the other users of the site, Offley Primary School for example.
• Will the padel court be indoor or outdoor? 
Planning for three padel courts has been submitted with the intention to develop two initially. It is hoped that courts will have a canopy covering them to allow for play in the winter months or during inclement weather. They are, however, classified officially as outdoor courts.
• Are there any environmental considerations, such as noise or lighting impact?
Yes, as part of the rigorous planning application, alongside engagement with both Sport England and the LPA, Sandbach Padel Club has commissioned all the appropriate surveys, assessments, and reports regarding noise, lighting, drainage, environmental, and technical issues.
• What are we doing as a club to replace the grass areas that are being lost?
The grass areas that will be lost due to the construction of these courts will mean Sandbach RUFC will make various other underused areas of grass on site available for minis’ usage. Namely, the area to the back of the 3rd XV pitch, which has adequate space for U6, U7 or U8 training / fixtures. The areas behind the dugouts parrel to the main car park will also be redeveloped to provide adequate space for training and fixtures for those who often used the area planned for the padel courts.

Community and Growth
• Will the padel court be available for community use?
Yes, the courts will be available to anyone who wishes to book them.
• How does this align with the club's long-term vision for growth and inclusivity?
Sandbach RUFC would like to think that an increased level of footfall on site across the whole year whilst promoting a healthy, balanced, and active lifestyle is very much aligned to our aims of providing sporting opportunities to our members and the wider community. We also feel that this will increase the breadth of attraction of our club and, ultimately, allow us to modernise and maintain a flourishing community-based rugby club.

Maintenance and Costs
• How will the court be maintained, and who will oversee its upkeep?
All maintenance issues and general upkeep/security/insurances will be the responsibility of Sandbach Padel Club who have agreed a long-term financial agreement for use of the land on which the courts will be sited. This is similar to the current arrangement with Sandbach Health and Fitness.
• Will membership fees increase to cover the costs of construction and maintenance?
No, all costs regarding the build will be covered by Sandbach Padel Club.

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Further updates will follow once the outcome of the planning application is known and if successful, the directors plan to hold a meeting in the clubhouse to share these details and answer any questions. Please be assured that this process has been explored and researched in depth and we, as a board of directors, feel that this will add value to Sandbach RUFC and the wider community. It will also generate funds which will assist us to reach the various targets we have for future regeneration and improvements of, for example, the clubhouse.

June 2025