Stars come out for padel Pro Am
Manchester’s newest padel club, the six-court indoor Pure Padel in Manchester city centre, hosted the fourth and final leg of the Pro Am Padel Tour 2024, an event which pairs top British padel professionals with high-profile guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment for a thrilling round-robin competition.
The tournament showcased the best in the sport, led by British stars Tia Norton (GB No 2), Hanna Maddock, Ellie Tait, Louie Harris (GB No 3), local rising talents plus international players Helena Wyckaert (Belgian No 1) and Fredrik Ask (Norwegian No 1).
Joining the action were high-profile names from the sporting world and beyond, including Team GB Olympic gold medallist swimmers Adam Peaty & Matt Richards, Lioness legend and Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, actor and I’m A Celeb runner-up Owen Warner, Former England footballer Joleon Lescott, Sky Sports presenter Kyle Walker and Man Utd greats Phil Jones & Katie Zelem.
Kyle Walker & Helena Wyckaert won the mixed pro exhibition tournament whilst Ryan Thomas & Alfonso Patacho took the men’s title. Katie Zelem and Phil Jones were awarded most valuable players. What the celebs had to say:
Phil Jones: “It’s a fun game and technical game. I’ve had an amazing day playing at first-class facilities. It’s been a really good day!”
Jill Scott: “It was an honour to take to the court with the pros but it’s made me realise I need a lot more practice. If you practice you see a big improvement quickly. It’s easy to get the bug for it. I really enjoy playing with my mates. It’s a great way to stay fit and socialise.”
Adam Peaty: “I enjoy how padel brings out my frustration. It’s a very technical sport but it’s always fun. I’m still learning but really enjoying it.”
And Katie Zelem: “I loved learning from the pros! It’s so much fun, especially playing a new sport. It’s very social but still competitive.”
Each celebrity winner received a DS-7 Chronograph from the Swiss watch brand Certina and a limited edition NOX racket bag.
However, the Pro Am Padel Tour wasn’t just about the competition. True to its commitment to fostering the next generation of players, the event hosted a ‘next-gen’ exhibition featuring talented teens including Under 18 No 3 Nia McKiernon (Cheshire), Under 16 No 5 Harry Stalker (Yorkshire), Under 18 No 5 Hayden Kalinins (Derbyshire) and Under16 No 2 Benjamin Philips (Nottinghamshire).
Local community engagement sessions also saw teenagers from Manchester High School For Girls and Withington School For Girls get on court for introductory taster coaching sessions.
And Foundation 92 (founded by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville), which supports communities to improve their lives through sport with an emphasis on positive physical and mental wellbeing, also held a session for people who have battled with drug and alcohol addiction.
Kenny Flint, Health & Wellbeing Manager of Foundation 92, said: “We brought a group who have never played padel. They picked up a few of the basics and were running around the court with smiles on their faces. It was a fantastic day!” 🎾
Follow @proampadeltour for more info
