Sally Grace and Andre Strachan – who won gold in the 45+ mixed doubles at this year’s English Open – are celebrating getting the go-ahead for a huge new pickleball and padel club, set to be the largest in Europe.
The HOPP, in Farnham, Surrey, will have ten indoor pickleball courts and four for padel, making it the biggest European indoor venue of its kind.
Waverley Borough Council have granted the project planning permission, and Grace and Strachan intend for it to open in mid-2025.
In a statement released to media, Sally said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the HOPP has been given the go-ahead because it means Farnham will soon play host to Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club.
“The HOPP was born out of our passion for pickleball which is a sporting phenomenon that’s taking over the world and quickly growing in popularity across the South of England.
“And we’re keen to give people across our community the opportunity to experience a fun, accessible and addictive sport which we know is great for all ages and abilities.
“We’ve already been overwhelmed by the positive public reaction to our plans and we’re excited by the prospect of turning our vision into an exciting reality in Farnham.”
Andre added: “We know this will catch on with people across the community and the HOPP’s ‘PLAY TODAY PLAY FOREVER’ ethos underlines our commitment to making it a place Farnham can be proud of.”
