Mansfield Town Football Club is pleased to announce the development of a cutting-edge padel tennis centre at the One Call Stadium, with an anticipated investment of £1 million. Padel tennis, a fusion of tennis and squash played within a mesh walled court, has garnered increasing popularity in Europe and beyond. Italy notably experienced a significant fivefold surge in the number of padel courts since 2020, boasting around 5,000 courts presently.
Following the successful launch of a padel court at Notts County’s Meadow Lane stadium in Nottingham last November, Mansfield Town is eager to bring this enthralling sport to the local community. Their plans encompass the creation of a bespoke facility featuring four courts and a clubhouse, providing a welcoming environment for padel tennis enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The inclusivity of padel tennis, played in doubles and recognized as less skill-intensive than traditional tennis, makes it an attractive option for individuals of all ages and abilities. Renowned football stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane are known to be enthusiasts of the sport.
The forthcoming World Padel Academy Mansfield is poised to revolutionize the local sports landscape. It will offer coaching for novice through to academy-level players, in addition to hosting year-round tournaments aimed at nurturing a new generation of talented padel tennis players and professionals. Moreover, the facility will be equipped with a canopy, allowing players to indulge in the game regardless of the weather.
According to Mansfield Town’s chairman, John Radford, “Padel encourages teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. It’s very accessible and a fantastic way to stay active. Regular play helps foster good fitness habits, and I am confident that the people of Mansfield will truly relish the sport.”
Carolyn Radford, the club’s chief executive, expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, asserting, “We are delighted to collaborate with World Padel Academy (WPA) as padel will be a thrilling addition to the football club. This initiative aligns with our vision to further enrich the offerings for Mansfield and undoubtedly contribute to the mental and physical well-being of our community.”
The official launch of the project has garnered positive feedback from James Bowring, the chief operating officer of WPA UK, who remarked, “WPA’s expansion strategy into the UK market is extensive, as we are diligently working to establish a network of venues across the country. However, I must express my great excitement at inaugurating our inaugural fully managed UK venue in my hometown and introduce this amazing game to Mansfield.”
At present, the plans for the proposed padel tennis centre have been submitted to Mansfield Council for review and approval. With the progressive development of the project, Mansfield Town aims to further cultivate community engagement and provide a valuable platform for sports enthusiasts to unite and revel in the exhilarating sport of padel tennis.