Sheffield’s first dedicated padel venue will open in the city this week with backing from England and Yorkshire cricketer Joe Root.
The new venture is being launched on 28 March at Abbeydale Tennis Club and has been described on social media as “a great addition to Sheffield sport”.
This new facility aims to offer players of all levels the chance to experience padel in a modern and well-equipped setting.
Padel ball is a fast-paced sport combining tennis and squash, played on a smaller court with walls. Teams of two use solid racquets to hit the ball over the net, making for an exciting, strategic game.
Root said: “Sheffield has always been my home, and I’m so excited to help bring a sport as dynamic and social as padel to the city.
“Being part of a project like this in my hometown is something really special. Padel is for everyone, and I can’t wait to see people here getting involved.”
The venue will feature four indoor, world-class padel courts designed to accommodate players ranging from beginners to more advanced athletes.
The venue’s team has been building excitement through social media, particularly on TikTok. Their account, @playpadelsheffield, has quickly gained over 3,000 followers and accumulated more than 500,000 views in the first six weeks, as they filmed the process of setting up the venue, updating it weekly.
The venue’s launch is backed by a group of five individuals with diverse backgrounds in sports and entrepreneurship, all with a shared interest in promoting padel in Sheffield. As well as England and Yorkshire Cricketer Joe Root, professional footballer Cameron Dawson has also backed the venture.
Alex Fleming, founder of Play Padel Sheffield, said: “We’re incredibly proud to bring Sheffield its first dedicated padel venue.
“As locals ourselves, it’s a dream to build something that reflects the city’s sporting passion and welcoming spirit.”
Local reactions have also been positive, with comments from social media and supporters expressing excitement about the upcoming opening.
Alex Wharton, showed support on social media, said: “Absolutely buzzing to come down and play. Well done in all that you’ve gone through to reach your end goal.”
