Rocket Padel Ilford opened its doors to the public this week and London’s newest and biggest indoor padel club made an immediate impression on its first visitors.
The £2.5 million venue will boast nine panoramic courts alongside two singles courts when the finishing touches are completed next month.
Scandinavian company Rocket Padel are pioneers in the world’s fastest growing sport. They successfully opened their first club in Bristol last year and a third at Battersea Power Station will be opened soon.
Rocket Padel co-founder Sebastian Gordon (pictured above) said: “We believe that padel has the potential to transform the way Londoners approach sports and fitness. Rocket Padel Ilford is a testament to our commitment to providing a platform for enthusiasts to embrace this engaging sport.
“Padel is about fun, fitness, and forging connections, and we are thrilled to offer Londoners the ultimate destination to experience it.”
The modern facilities at Ilford include a bistro bar, showers, changing rooms, pro shop, spectator area and a warm-up zone. Individual and group coaching programmes have begun with group sessions starting from £12 per hour and individual at £60. The centre, located in The Drive, Ilford, will also create between 10-20 part-time jobs.
Carolina Merletti, 25, who is ranked 33 in the UK, was amongst the first punters through the doors. She said: “This is such an innovative venue, there is something here for everyone from beginners to professionals.
“The courts are really superb and the facilities are the closest you can get to World Padel Tour standards. It’s a state-of-the-art club and this is something padel players have been missing.”
Portuguese player Dani Alves, 34, who is based in East London, but plays tournaments all over the country said: ”I’m blown away by the facilities, it’s like the comfort of your own home. It is very welcoming and warm here, there’s even meeting rooms if you need them to work from your laptop.”
The emphasis is on health and wellbeing at the club and the menu includes quinoa salad, greek salad, tuna salad, hummus and pitta, sweet potato fries and smashed avocado. There is also a range of healthy non-alcoholic drinks and smoothies available.
Beginner Jilly Hunt from Woodford Green said: “I used to play a lot of tennis but this is far more fun and enjoyable – I’ll be back!”
Manager Oskar Wynne said: “I’m very excited about opening such an incredible innovative facility to service the ever growing padel community in Ilford and East London. We are catering for beginners, young and old, intermediate players and those who are already playing at a high level.”
The club are offering a special discounted group course of £8 per hour for youngsters aged 5-12 years-old wishing to try the sport for the first time.
