Following the success of its temporary courts in Stockport, Soul Padel has announced a new permanent four-court padel facility adjacent to sports goods retailer Decathlon.
Set to open in early Spring 2025, the site will feature canopy-covered courts and a clubhouse, to build on the 1,200 players who registered in the 12 weeks the temporary court was situated on the same site (with a 75% court utilisation rate).
“At Soul Padel, our vision is to welcome everyone to the court,” said Mark Hewlett, Founder of Soul Padel.
“We’re proud that over 19% of our members come from ethnic minorities. What’s more, most of our players had never played before joining us. Unlike some other mainstream sports in Britain, padel should never have the perception of being elitist. At Soul, every decision we take is dedicated to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.”
To support its mission of making padel accessible to all-comers, Soul Padel has invested in high-quality coaching programmes led by Dean Hardman. Hardman’s leadership aims to develop players at all levels, ensuring that newcomers and experienced players alike have the opportunity to improve their skills.
Soul Padel’s success in Stockport has enabled the company to expand, with new funding driving the launch of four additional sites across the UK. The company is also building on its partnership with Decathlon, offering even more opportunities for communities to experience the sport.
“Our goal is to make sport accessible for everyone,” added Hewlett. “More courts mean more people can play, and by keeping prices at sensible levels, we ensure that padel remains inclusive. With our new permanent site and coaching programmes, we’re working to bring padel to everyone – we believe that should be the blueprint for British padel if it is to flourish.”
