Jason Manford backs more Padel courts in schools

Jason Manford said he wants to ensure local schoolchildren can access the emerging sport

Jason Manford has backed plans to increase the number of people playing a racquet sport he describes as an "easier, more sociable" version of tennis.

The comedian took part in a pop-up event to mark the launch of the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) UK-wide strategy to the grow the sport of Padel.

The LTA hopes to increase the number of players across the UK to 400,000 over the next five years, with a local plan to develop Padel facilities in Manchester.

Manford said he was a "huge fan" of the game, which is typically played on an enclosed court in doubles format, calling it "brilliant fun".

Comedian Jason Manford enjoyed a game of Padel at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester.

The Salford-born star said he was on holiday in Portugal when he bumped into a friend as was invitied to play.

"After about 20 minutes, I thought 'I'm into this' - and I've been playing it ever since," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It's a lot easier than tennis - easier on the old joints - and it's more sociable as there's four of you."

Celebrity backers

Described as a hybrid of tennis and squash, the sport has taken off in the UK in recent years, with 350 courts attracting more than 100,000 players.

Celebrities including David Beckham, Stormzy and Jurgen Klopp are among those who play the racquet sport, which began in Mexico in the 1960s and is popular across Latin America and Europe.

The LTA, which become recognised as Padel's governing body in 2020, wants to open the game to more players.

Following their lead, Manchester City Council has drawn up plans supporting the development of more Padel courts and working "with local clubs and schools to grow the appetite for Padel in the city," a spokesman said.

It comes as the Davis Cup finals are taking place in Manchester's AO Arena.

Jason Manford is backing the LTA's plans, and is particularly focused on taking the sport to local schools.

"I've set up a Padel court company to try put them into schools that might not get access, because that's the only worry with a sport like this," he said.

"It can quickly become elitist and rule out a lot of people because of price, because of location, because of equipment.

"I would not have been able to play this game when I was a kid."