Rocks Lane in the Community

Community Impact and Local Benefit

Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centres were established over 30 years ago on the principle that sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. Today, the centres provide year-round opportunities across padel, football, netball, tennis, holiday camps and school sport, creating a welcoming environment where people can play, compete, socialise and improve their wellbeing.

A Community Facility Serving Local People

The Rocks Lane Community Programme delivers inclusive, year-round sport and wellbeing activities designed to improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Rocks Lane Barnes, Chiswick and Bishops Park support a broad cross-section of the community, including local families, schools, young people, older adults, community organisations and charities.

Rocks Lane believes sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. From junior football and netball to adult leagues, tennis, holiday camps and community programmes, the centres provide opportunities for thousands of local residents to stay active, build confidence and form social connections.

Padel: An Inclusive Sport for Everyone

Padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK because it is accessible, sociable and easy to learn. Supported nationally by the Lawn Tennis Association, it attracts participants of all ages, genders and abilities.

Participation has grown across women and girls, junior players, older adults, schools, beginners, wheelchair users, adults with learning challenges and LGBTQ+ participants.

The Rocks Lane Padel Academy provides structured pathways for players of all ages and abilities, while daily social sessions bring people together in a welcoming environment focused on participation and wellbeing. Padel socials have become a cornerstone of community connection, helping tackle loneliness and improve mental wellbeing.

Rocks Lane Chiswick has been recognised externally for its commitment to inclusion and participation, receiving the first-ever Middlesex County LTA Award for Padel.

Supporting Schools and Young People

Rocks Lane works in partnership with over twenty local schools and provides free and subsidised access to sports facilities throughout the year.

State schools are offered free use of facilities during school hours, alongside reduced rates for introductory coaching programmes and free padel taster events. Children who participate in school sessions are also offered free holiday camp vouchers to encourage continued participation outside term time.

Luke Howley, PE Lead at William Hogarth School, described the provision as:

“Much needed for our school and other state schools” and praised Rocks Lane for creating “accessible pathways to enable the children to continue to enjoy sport and progress.”

For more than twenty years, Rocks Lane has also operated weekday breakfast sports clubs from 7am, supporting local families by providing structured physical activity before the school day begins.

Investing in Community Wellbeing

Rocks Lane is proud to support schools, students, charities, NHS staff, emergency services personnel, armed forces members and local community organisations.

As a Blue Light Card partner, Rocks Lane offers discounts to NHS workers, emergency services personnel and members of the armed forces.

Rocks Lane provides free racket hire for community programmes, student discounts, work placement opportunities, access to wellbeing facilities and support for local charities and fundraising initiatives.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

Rocks Lane is proud to work with a range of organisations that support vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.

Its partnership with Shelter Community supports young people facing housing challenges by providing weekly football sessions, free off-peak padel access and opportunities to improve wellbeing and social connection.

Shelter Community described Rocks Lane’s support as:

“Invaluable support over the years by hosting our weekly football matches and, more recently, by offering free padel court access and discounts to the young adults living in the home.”

Rocks Lane also works closely with W4 Youth, helping provide positive activities and safe environments for young people across the area.

W4 Youth Chief Executive Sally Chacatté said:

“The range of sports and activities offered at Rocks Lane makes a significant and lasting difference to the wellbeing, connection and opportunities available within the community. It is a truly valued local asset and an outstanding example of community-focused provision.”

Together, the organisations have delivered youth football programmes, community events, fundraising activities and support for the new community PlayZone project at Southfield Recreation Ground.

Tackling Loneliness and Supporting Active Ageing

One of the most significant impacts of the facility has been its role in addressing social isolation.

Research consistently shows that loneliness can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Through daily social sport sessions and inclusive programmes, Rocks Lane provides opportunities for residents to meet others, build friendships and become part of a supportive community.

The Rocks Legends programme focuses specifically on active ageing, providing older residents with structured opportunities to remain physically active, socially connected and engaged in community life.

The programme includes introductory sessions, daily social play opportunities, senior tournaments and dedicated support for those trying padel for the first time.

Economic and Social Benefits

The benefits extend beyond sport.

Rocks Lane supports local employment, coaching opportunities, volunteering pathways and professional development programmes.

Rocks Lane also generates significant economic activity for surrounding businesses through regional and national sporting events, visiting participants and partnerships with local suppliers.

Local businesses, including cafés, restaurants, hotels, physiotherapists and service providers, have spoken positively about the increased footfall and economic activity generated by the facility.

Community partners have consistently highlighted the positive contribution Rocks Lane makes to local identity, social connection and neighbourhood wellbeing.

Listening to the Community

Rocks Lane remain committed to working constructively with local residents, councillors, community groups and the Council to address questions and concerns wherever possible and uses engagement tools and feedback mechanisms to ensure community voices continue to shape how the facility operates.

Regular surveys, community consultation, direct engagement and ongoing dialogue help ensure the facility remains responsive to local needs and expectations.

Community opinion matters, and continued constructive engagement with all stakeholders is welcomed.

Looking Forward

Rocks Lane remains committed to enhancing their facilities, which already provide significant social, educational, health and community benefits to thousands of local people each year. Alongside these direct impacts, the facilities make a substantial contribution to sports participation, education, community wellbeing and social inclusion across Chiswick, Barnes, Fulham and the wider boroughs. Looking ahead, the focus is on building upon this strong foundation to deliver even greater benefits for local residents and communities.