Manchester’s newest club, Pure Padel Manchester City Centre, hosted the electrifying fourth and final leg of the Pro Am Padel Tour 2024 on Wednesday (20 November).
The Pro Am Padel Tour pairs top British padel professionals with high-profile guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment for a thrilling round-robin competition.
The event showcased the cream of GB padel, led by British stars Tia Norton (GB No.2), Louie Harris (GB No.3), Hanna Maddock, Ellie Tait, local rising talents, plus international players Helena Wyckaert (Belgian No.1) and Fredrik Ask (Norway No.1).
Joining the action were big names from the sporting world and beyond, including Team GB Olympic gold medallist swimmers Adam Peaty and Matt Richards, Lioness legend and Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, Actor and I’m A Celeb runner-up Owen Warner, former England footballer Joleon Lescott, Sky Sports presenter Kyle Walker, and Man Utd greats Phil Jones and Katie Zelem.
Kyle Walker & Helena Wyckaert won the mixed pro exhibition tournament whilst Ryan Thomas and Alfonso Patacho took the men’s title. Katie Zelem and Phil Jones were awarded MVP.
Phil Jones said: “It’s a fun game, and technical game. I’ve had an amazing day playing at first-class facilities. It’s been a really good day!”
Jill Scott commented: “It was an honour to take to the court with the pros but it’s made me realise I need a lot more practice. If you practise, you see a big improvement quickly. It’s easy to get the bug for it. I really enjoy playing with my mates. It’s a great way to stay fit and socialise.”
Adam Peaty added: “I enjoy how padel brings out my frustration. It’s a very technical sport but it’s always fun. I’m still learning but really enjoying it.”
Katie Zelem said: “I loved learning from the pros! It’s so much fun, especially playing a new sport. It’s very social but still competitive.”
Each celebrity winner received a sporty DS-7 Chronograph from the Swiss watch brand Certina, and a limited edition NOX racket bag.
The Pro Am Padel Tour wasn’t just about the competition. True to its commitment to fostering the next generation of players, the event hosted a Next-Gen Exhibition featuring talented teens including Under18 No.3 Nia McKiernon (Cheshire), Under16 No.5 Harry Stalker (Yorkshire), Under18 No.5 Hayden Kalinins (Derbyshire) and Under16 No.2 Benjamin Philips (Nottinghamshire). These young athletes gave us a glimpse into the future of the world’s fastest-growing sport!
Local community engagement sessions also saw teenagers from Manchester High School For Girls and from Withington School For Girls get on court for introductory taster coaching sessions.
Foundation 92 (founded by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville), which supports communities to improve their lives through sport with an emphasis on positive physical and mental wellbeing, also held a session for people who have battled with drug and alcohol addiction.
Kenny Flint, Health & Wellbeing Manager of Foundation 92, said: “We brought a mixed-gender group who have never played padel. They picked up a few of the basics and were running around the court with smiles on their faces. It was a fantastic day!”
The Pro Am Padel Tour held its maiden tour in 2023, seeing the likes of Chris Robshaw, John Terry, Jos Buttler, Danni Wyatt, Sam Billings, Carly Telford, Michael Vaughan, Bobby Zamora and Aimee Fuller take to padel courts at some of the UK’s leading padel venues.
The tour’s official automotive partner, CUPRA, has been involved in the sport since 2019. Globally, CUPRA has partnerships with several elite organisations including International Padel Federation, CUPRA FIP Tour, and Premier Padel. From grassroots to professional level, the brand is dedicated to shaping the sport’s future with a clear goal to propel the international evolution of padel.
Pro Am Padel Tour’s official watch partner, Certina, showcased their latest range of sports watches including two padel-inspired models: the DS-7 Chrono Padel Edition designed in collaboration with the padel super star Marta Ortega and the DS-7 Auto Chrono – its striking dial features a grid structure reminiscent of the net on a padel court.
Each celebrity player was gifted with a pair of YOOVY sunglasses, a range of padel essentials from NOX, Certina branded balls, along with a £100 Padel Shack voucher and a selection of hydration and nutrition products.
NEO WTR, Europe’s pioneering water brand using 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic™ bottles, kept players hydrated throughout the tournament whilst spectators enjoyed a sumptuous range of hospitality options including gyozas and bubbles.
