The Pro Am Padel Tour 2026 launched at Pure Padel Stockport where Team Goode defeated Team Simpson to secure the first spot in October’s Grand Final.
Team Goode, led by former England rugby union international and Saracens legend Alex Goode, emerged victorious following a fiercely contested Celebrity Pro Am.
Goode will now compete for the Captain’s Fund at the Grand Final, raising money for his chosen charity, The Matt Hampson Foundation – a cause he has supported for over two decades. Team Simpson, led by Danny Simpson, was playing in support of Manchester Mind.
Speaking after the win, Goode (pictured above, right) said: “It feels great to win. It was getting very competitive. Amazing day. My team have been brilliant. Loved it.”
Community at the Core
While the on-court competition delivered standout moments, the day’s foundations were built on community-focused sessions delivered by the Pro Am Padel Tour, supported by the LTA.
The morning programme welcomed a wide range of local schools and community organisations, including the Manchester United Foundation, Sale Sharks Foundation and the Jason Manford Academy.
Participants were introduced to padel through structured sessions designed to showcase the sport’s accessibility, inclusivity and social appeal.
A highlight was the delivery of adaptive padel sessions, ensuring the sport was accessible to all abilities. These were led by Andrew Simister, an Inclusive Padel Tour player who returned to elite sport after losing his right leg above the knee in a 2022 road accident, alongside Louis Telford, Great Britain’s No.1 wheelchair padel player.
Their sessions provided both inspiration and hands-on opportunity, demonstrating how padel can be adapted without losing its competitive edge.
Together, the sessions reinforced the tour’s mission to open up the sport to new audiences, using high-profile events as a gateway to long-term participation.
MVP Performances Recognised
On the competitive side, Izzy Christiansen and Matty Lee were awarded MVP honours following standout performances throughout the day. Both receiving a Certina DS-7 timepiece.
From Grass Courts to Centre Court
Following the morning sessions, the event transitioned into corporate experiences and a media and influencer programme, including interactive brand activations such as the Certina Precision Challenge and Skechers Touch Challenge.
The afternoon’s Celebrity Pro Am brought together elite padel professionals with well-known names from across sport and entertainment, featuring a pro showcase and the All Celebrity Showdown as the tournament reached its climax.
The day concluded with an exclusive Pro Masterclass, offering Pure Padel members the opportunity to step on court and play alongside some of the UK’s leading players.
Star Names Take Centre Stage
The Manchester line-up featured a cross-section of British sporting and entertainment talent.
Team Goode included Alex Goode, Izzy Christiansen, Natasha Dowie, Callum Jones, Scarlett Archer and Kyle Walker, while Team Simpson was led by Danny Simpson and featured Toni Duggan, Monty Panesar, Richard Whitehead MBE, Matty Lee MBE and Emily Scarratt.
They were joined by top British padel pros including Catherine Rose, Louie Harris, Frankie Langan, Cameron Dollimore and Josep Aymerich.
Road to the Final begins
Manchester marks the first stop in a four-event series culminating in the Grand Final at Padium, London on Wednesday 21st October.
Each captain competes to raise funds for their chosen charity through the Captain’s Fund, with contributions generated through VIP experiences and Pro Masterclass ticket sales across the tour.
Last year’s event saw Team Lescott raise £11,500 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.
Building Momentum for the Sport
With expanded media partnerships and growing participation nationwide, the Pro Am Padel Tour continues to play a key role in elevating the sport’s profile in the UK. Connecting grassroots access with mainstream visibility.
Oliver Morgan, Founder of the Pro Am Padel Tour, said: “What stood out in Manchester wasn’t just the level of competition, but the depth of engagement across the entire day. From the community sessions through to the final. That’s what makes this tour unique and why it continues to grow year on year.”
The Pro Am Padel Tour is supported by :
Skechers – Official Footwear Partner
Certina – Official Watch Partner
Crew Clothing – Official Performance Apparel Partner
NOX – Official Racket Partner
Lawn Tennis Association – Strategic Partner
talkSPORT, Planet Sport, The Padel Paper – Media Partners
