Sheffield is set to get its first dedicated padel facility, thanks to the backing of one of Yorkshire’s most successful sporting sons, Joe Root.
Construction has begun on Play Padel Sheffield, an exciting new facility at Abbeydale Tennis Club, with doors set to open in spring. Play Padel will feature four state-of-the-art courts – including the city’s only singles court – alongside a brand-new social space designed to bring the community together.
The venue will be accessible to all, operating on a pay-as-you-play basis with no memberships. The courts are indoor to ensure players can keep active all year round, alongside a welcoming coffee bar. The club will be open from 6am to 10pm every day, catering to early birds and evening players alike.
Joe Root – England’s all-time leading run scorer in Test match cricket – is part of a five-man group who have funded the project. Alongside Root is Cameron Dawson – former Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper – as well as entrepreneurs Harry Bliss and Chris Milard, and founder/co-owner Alex Fleming.
The ownership group has been friends for many years, growing up in neighbourhoods including Millhouses, Dore, Ecclesall and Nether Edge, as well as attending local schools such as Silverdale, King Ecgbert and King Edward VII. Their mission is to bring the joy of padel to Sheffield while harnessing the city’s rich sporting culture and strong sense of community pride.
England cricket legend Root said: “Sheffield has always been my home, and I’m so excited to help bring a sport as dynamic and social as padel to the city. Being part of a project like this in my hometown is something really special. Padel is for everyone, and I can’t wait to see people here getting involved.”
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Sheffield its first dedicated padel venue,” said Alex Fleming (pictured), founder of Play Padel Sheffield. “Padel is an amazing, inclusive sport that’s easy to pick up, and we can’t wait to see the people of Sheffield enjoying it together. As locals ourselves, it’s a dream to build something that reflects the city’s sporting passion and welcoming spirit.”
Dawson shared his enthusiasm: “As someone who grew up here, I feel very fortunate to have the sporting opportunities I have had. It has always been a goal of mine to add something to the city that has given me so much. I really believe that this project will build on the sporting legacy that Sheffield already holds. Padel is such a fun sport to play and one that can appeal to all. We can’t wait to bring this facility to you for everybody to enjoy.”
Harry Bliss, who has worked in the wellbeing sector, said: “One of the things I love most about padel is how inclusive and social it is. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about connecting with people and having fun. Sheffield is the perfect city for this kind of community-driven experience, and I can’t wait to see families, friends, and people of all ages playing together.”
Chris Millard, whose career has been rooted in the sports industry, added: “As someone who has built communities in sport for the past decade, it only felt right that we should put a team together to bring the world’s fastest growing sport to the Steel City. Padel is a special sport that brings people together in a competitive but friendly manner, people of all ages and skill levels can pick up the game really quickly.”
