Sport

£120,000 Worle Sports Courts Officially Open with Pickleball Celebration

Good News Post

Aug 5, 2026 — 2 min read

By Sports Correspondent

One of the UK’s fastest-growing sports took centre stage as the first community event was held on Worle’s newly transformed £120,000 tennis courts.

Players and spectators gathered at @Worle and Worle Community School Academy as the refurbished facilities were officially launched with an action-packed day featuring a pickleball competition, a tennis exhibition match and free tennis sessions for the local community.

The event marked the first opportunity for residents to experience the upgraded courts following a £120,000 investment by The Priory Learning Trust, creating high-quality tennis and netball facilities for both students and the wider community.

The newly refurbished courts will support the delivery of an outstanding PE curriculum during the school day while providing a first-class venue for tennis, pickleball and community sport during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

The launch comes at an exciting time for racquet sports, with pickleball rapidly becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing participation sports thanks to its accessibility for players of all ages and abilities.

Candace Riley, Centre Manager at @Worle, said:

“It was wonderful to see the courts come to life for the very first community event since the refurbishment. There was a fantastic atmosphere and some great matches.

“This investment is about so much more than new courts. It’s about creating opportunities for our students and the wider community to be active, improve their wellbeing and enjoy sport together.”

The £120,000 investment forms part of The Priory Learning Trust’s wider commitment to improving sports and wellbeing facilities for young people while strengthening links with the local community.

DON'T MISS:

With Wimbledon inspiring a new generation of players and pickleball continuing to grow in popularity across the UK, the refurbished courts are expected to become a thriving hub for racquet sports in North Somerset.

Residents interested in getting involved can join @Worle’s regular community sessions:

Tuesday Pickleball: Juniors 5pm–7pm and adults 7pm–9pm (£4 per game), with a coach.
Thursday Tennis: Juniors 5pm–7pm and adults 7pm–9pm (£4 per game), with a coach.
Saturday Tennis and Pickleball: 10am–2pm for all ages.

For bookings and further information about community sessions, please contact @Worle.

Berry clever! New seaweed coating could stop strawberries going mouldy

By Science Correspondent A new edible coating made from seaweed could help keep strawberries fresher for longer, reducing food waste and cutting the need for refrigeration. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed the clear coating using agar – a natural ingredient derived from red seaweed that's

Clevedon School Pupils Reflect on Holocaust Memorial Photography Success

By Matthew, Year 7, Mark, Year 8 and Sadika, Year 11, Good News Room at Clevedon School Each year, Clevedon School takes part in activities to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with support from the Holocaust Memorial Trust. The annual programme encourages students to reflect on who they are, the importance

Young Chefs in the Making! Priory Students Cook Up Confidence in the Kitchen

By Schools Correspondent Eight students at Priory Community School have been taking part in the Cook5 with CRuNCH programme, learning to cook five simple, healthy meals while developing practical cooking skills, confidence and teamwork. CRuNCH believes that food is power. The charity's mission is to improve the long-

Meet Mildred! Adorable Penguin Chick Named by Great Ormond Street Children

By Community Correspondent London Zoo's newest Humboldt penguin chick has been given a very special name after children from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) paid her a visit. The fluffy chick, who hatched on 30 April, has been named Mildred after the hospital's Mildred Creak Unit,