Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club (JDRTC) is scouting for a potential champion, at a time when the growing popularity of padel and pickelball is sparking a surge of interest in racquet sports.

“I want to get a young person in here who’s got the potential to go and be a world champion, travel the world and give them the same opportunities that I had,” said Mark Eadle, head professional at JDRTC, which is situated on Matthew Bank.

Eadle said he has visited many countries through his passion for real tennis, while also teaching academics and royals, including Prince Edward, along the way. He said he hopes to recruit new members in the coming months while searching for a real tennis prospect.

Real tennis is thought to be the oldest form of tennis and its origins can be traced back to as early as the 12^th century. Differing from the modern sport of “lawn tennis”, real tennis involves playing on an indoor court with four irregularly sized walls and using harder handstitched balls made with a cork in the middle, which means they do not bounce as high when hit onto the floor.

Newer racquet sports including padel and pickleball are surging in popularity. For example, the number of padel courts worldwide is expected to increase by more than 110% by 2026. Eadle said JDRTC hopes this new-found interest in other racquet sports will lead to more awareness of real tennis, and boost demand more than they are already beginning to see.

The head professional said he recognised that many people do not take part in real tennis because of the common misconception that the sport is “elitist’” Eadle said: “I’ve not really seen elitism in real tennis,” and he said this was reflected in the reasonable price of memberships at the club.

Current JDRTC membership fees vary depending on age, with students paying £10 a year, under-35s paying £10 a month, and juniors under the age of 17 receiving their memberships for free. Bookings for courts are around £5 an hour for juniors and under-35s.

However, Eadle said he encourages anyone of any age and background to try out the sport that he fell in love with almost 40 years ago. He said: “I’ve got a guy who just turned 75 and plays four times a week against 18 and 19-year-old students. In what other sport can you [find that]?”

Built in 1894 and one of only 27 courts in the UK, JDRTC recently upgraded its facilities while keeping traditional elements such as wall displays showing the club’s history. The tennis court still has its vintage look, but the changing rooms and social space have been renovated and Eadle said he hopes these upgrades can improve the club’s chances of recruiting potential star athletes.

The club is offering JesmondLocal readers an exclusive deal to visit and receive a free introductory group session. Quote “JesmondLocal” in an email to  club@jdrtc.com to redeem the offer.