Uni of Salford jumps on padel bandwagon

Four covered courts are to be constructed on land off Wallness Lane close to the university.

The padel complex, to be developed and operated by Soul Padel, is aiming to be open in the spring, subject to planning approval.

The courts will be available to students and staff from the University of Salford and the general public.

Padel, a hybrid of squash and tennis, is understood to be one of the world’s fastest growing sports and as such demand for courts has spiked in recent years, leading to a wave of applications and venue openings.

As well as Soul Padel, other operators including Club de Padel, Social Sports Society, and The Padel Club are all fighting for sites.

Mark Wantling, chief infrastructure officer at the University of Salford said the scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of the campus.

“We are undertaking a major regeneration of our campus to improve it for everybody, and upgrading our sporting offer is part of that,” he said.

“These are the university’s first padel courts, and we are really excited to be providing a facility that we know will be really popular not only with students but with staff and local residents too.”

Soul Padel currently has two operational sites in Stockport and Loughborough with plans for schemes in Bolton and St Helens in the works, according to its website.

Mark Hewlett, founder and chief executive of Soul Padel said the partnership with the University of Salford “ticks every box”.

“We’re creating something lasting; more than just a facility, it’s a hub for wellbeing, social connection, and opportunity. We’re proud to be supporting the next generation in moving more, playing more, and connecting more, both on campus and beyond.”