Champneys is launching padel across its six countryside health spa resorts and hotels this summer.
In partnership with The Walls, Champneys will be installing pop-up padel courts at each of its six locations to give members and guests the opportunity to try the sport, with the potential to build permanent courts in the longer term.
The venture launched on Friday 28 April at Champneys’ luxury spa resort in Hertfordshire, where GB players Chris Salisbury and Frankie Langan (winner of last weekend’s LTA Grade One title at West of Scotland Padel Club) hosted taster sessions for members and played an exhibition match.
The sessions were fully booked and received great feedback from members – many of whom were playing for the very first time.
The pop-up courts will be set up for the summer across the country at the following Champneys locations:
· Tring, Hertfordshire
· Forest Mere, Hampshire
· Henlow Grange, Bedfordshire
· Springs, Leicestershire
· Eastwell Manor, Kent
· Mottram Hall, Cheshire
Padel will augment the wide range of health and fitness offerings to Champneys members and guests at their health spas.
The Walls, Champneys’ partners in the venture, are a new padel and social sports club with a mission to instil sport and play into people’s day-to-day social lives.
Charlie Herdman-Newton, co-founder of The Walls, said: “The introduction of padel at such a prestigious brand is an incredibly positive sign for growing the sport in the UK. It’s not just a case of getting courts up – ensuring members get to experience the social element padel brings is really important to us.
“We want to support Champneys in creating a mini ‘padel club’ feel at each of their sites. We’ll be supporting Louise and her fitness team in creating member padel leagues and socials throughout the summer, to ensure members get maximum benefit of these new facilities and ultimately get them hooked on padel!”
Louise Day, Wellbeing & Fitness Director at Champneys, added: “We’re thrilled to bring the exciting sport of padel to our six Champneys Health Spa properties. With our introduction of padel intro classes, court bookings, and coaching, we’re providing our club members and guests with a unique and enjoyable way to stay active and engaged during their stay with us.”
