Mansfield Town Football Club is on the verge of becoming the home to a state-of-the-art padel tennis centre, with an estimated cost of £1 million. Padel tennis, a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has been experiencing a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe. Italy, in particular, has witnessed a fivefold increase in the number of courts in the past year.
The proposed facility, which will be situated at the One Call Stadium, is expected to house four padel courts and a clubhouse. The establishment, to be known as the World Padel Academy Mansfield, aims to cater to players of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to those at the academy level. The centre will also host year-round tournaments to cultivate a new generation of players and professionals.
Padel tennis has garnered the admiration of several football stars, including Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, and Zidane. Known for being a doubles game, it is considered less skill-intensive than traditional tennis, enabling longer rallies and a strong emphasis on teamwork.
John Radford, the chairman of Mansfield Town, has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing padel tennis as an immensely enjoyable sport to play. He also emphasized the numerous benefits that the sport offers, such as promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. Carolyn Radford, CEO of Mansfield Town, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the positive impact that the padel centre will have on the mental and physical well-being of the local community.
Furthermore, the facility will include a canopy to ensure that players can partake in the game regardless of the weather, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts throughout the year. Plans for the padel tennis centre have already been submitted to the Mansfield District Council and are currently pending approval.
James Bowring, the chief operating officer of World Padel Academy UK, expressed his anticipation for launching the first fully managed UK venue in his hometown and introducing the sport to the Mansfield community. He also highlighted the extensive expansion strategy of WPA UK as they work towards establishing a network of venues across the country.
The introduction of the padel tennis centre not only diversifies the range of offerings at Mansfield Town FC but also aligns with the vision of providing more opportunities for the local community. By introducing this new and engaging sport, the football club aims to create a platform for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to come together, stay active, and enjoy the numerous benefits that padel tennis has to offer.