Football venue makes £1.3m investment to open six Padel courts in Manchester
Powerleague, the London-based provider of small-sided football in the UK, has introduced Padel courts to its Manchester Nicholls facility, in Ardwick, following a £1.3m investment.
With Padel recognised as the fastest-growing participation sport globally, Powerleague is taking it from the preserve of tennis clubs and bringing it to the urban high street, opening six new covered courts at its club on Dalberg Street, Ardwick, creating the brand’s largest UK Padel club to date.
The new investment has also seen updates to the centre’s facilities and the creation of a new bar and social space.
Already home to three five-a-side pitches and three seven-a-side pitches, Powerleague Manchester Nicholls is located close to the Manchester Apollo and currently welcomes more than 1,600 football players every week.
The new courts offer the opportunity for absolute beginners and experienced players alike to book 60- and 90-minute sessions, alongside introductory Padel lessons and social events.
Powerleague Padel Manchester Nicholls venue
Powerleague’s investment in racket sports in Manchester follows successful launches in Shoreditch and Birmingham, with a further 16 clubs to follow.
The strategic investment follows the meteoric rise of Padel, a short form of tennis, in recent years.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has recorded a growth in courts from 50 to 726 over the past four years with player numbers growing from 6,000 to 129,000.
They expect that number will further increase to 400,000 by the end of 2026.
Powerleague CEO, Christian Rose, said: “The Manchester Nicholls Club is a thriving centre for team sports and a fantastic social hub for the local community. This investment not only creates a new home for Padel in the city, but will benefit all our existing customers with hugely uprated facilities.
“Padel is the world’s fastest growing sport, it’s fun, great exercise and a really sociable game.
“With this investment we hope to increase Padel’s reach in the UK and encourage a diverse array of new players by making market leading facilities accessible for everyone.”
He added: “At Powerleague we are committed to our mission of providing opportunities for individuals across the UK to experience the transformative and life-enhancing benefits that participating in team sports can bring.
“Football remains at the heart of our business, however, by expanding Padel’s presence in urban locations, ensuring great value, and providing coaching at all levels, we see an opportunity to demystify the sport and welcome people of all ages and abilities.”
