London Grilling: Alex Smith - Co-Director of Bola Beach Tennis at Queen Elizabeth Park

If you thought you needed a flight to Brazil for beach sports and sunset rallies, think again. This summer, Bola Beach Tennis is bringing sand courts back to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, creating a little pocket of holiday energy right here in London.

Set beside Here East on Basset Lane, the courts transform the city skyline into the backdrop for fast-paced rallies, music, community sessions and relaxed after-work socials. I caught up with one of the co-directors behind Bola to find out what makes beach tennis so addictive, why the Olympic Park is the perfect setting, and what’s new for the season ahead.

1. For anyone discovering Bola Beach Tennis for the first time, how would you describe beach tennis and what makes it different from other racket sports?

What makes beach tennis so exciting isn’t just the feel of the sand under your feet, it's the freedom it gives you as a player. You can dive, fall, and move in ways you simply wouldn’t on a hard court, which opens the door to more creative and unexpected shots.

Another key difference is that the ball doesn’t bounce. This keeps rallies fast-paced and continuous, making the game both dynamic and highly engaging from the very first hit.

2. What inspired the idea of bringing sand courts into the city, and why was Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park the right setting?

After travelling to Brazil a few years ago, I completely fell in love with the sport, the beach culture, and the way it made people feel after playing. I wanted to bring that same sense of energy and escape into a city environment especially in a place where people often need a break from everyday routines.

I grew up playing Frescobol on the beach, which is a similar bat-and-ball game, so there’s a personal connection there. Seeing how much beach tennis has grown across Brazil in recent years made the idea feel even more relevant.

Reaching out to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park felt like a natural step. Following their success with BeachEast during the Rio Olympics in 2016, it was immediately clear that it was the perfect setting to bring this concept to life.

3. You had such a strong response last summer. What stood out most about how people experienced the courts?

There were a few phrases we heard again and again:

“I feel like I’m on holiday.”

“Where is this sand from?”

“This sport is so addictive!”

What really stood out was how quickly people picked up the game. Even those with no racket sport experience were able to rally confidently within 30 minutes. That accessibility, combined with the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, made the whole experience really special.

4. What can visitors expect when they arrive for a typical session at Bola?

We always make a point of welcoming everyone as they arrive whether they’re new or returning so they immediately feel part of the community.

There’s always Brazilian and South American music playing in the background, and we encourage people to get their feet in the sand and start hitting a few balls over the net while we get the session going. The goal is for people to feel relaxed, engaged, and energised from the moment they step onto the court.

5. Is it suitable for complete beginners, or do people usually come with experience?

It’s a game that’s genuinely suitable for everyone, regardless of experience level just be warned, it’s highly addictive!

6. Are there plans for socials, workplace events or tournaments this season?

Absolutely. We’ll be running a range of school partnerships and community programmes, alongside socials, corporate events, birthday bookings, and tournaments many of which were a big success last year.

7. What is new or different for Bola this summer from May to September?

This summer, we have a longer run of dates thanks to the LLDC, which gives us more time to plan exciting events and collaborations. Our main focus this year is to grow awareness of the sport and continue building a strong, vibrant beach tennis community.

8. If someone is visiting for the first time, what is the ideal time of day to come for the full experience?

Our “Sunset Social” sessions were incredibly popular last year. These are two-hour sessions (either 4–6pm or 6–8pm), perfect for unwinding after work or enjoying a relaxed weekend afternoon. People come to play, meet others, and soak up the atmosphere as the sun sets over the skyline. Even after sessions change over, we encourage everyone to stay, grab a drink or something to eat, and enjoy the setting. It’s the perfect way to experience what Bola is all about.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already plotting your next competitive streak, Bola Beach Tennis feels less like a sports session and more like stepping into a mini summer escape in the middle of the city. Their popular Sunset Socials (4–6pm and 6–8pm) are the perfect place to start if you want the full experience.