Dubai’s WPA reveals Mansfield Town padel plans
Dubai’s World Padel Academy (WPA) has revealed a £1 million scheme to develop a four-court padel centre in Nottinghamshire market town Mansfield.
WPA, which has been working with Nottingham Padel Centre to grow its padel community, has secured its first fully owned UK venue at the town’s One Call Stadium, home to League Two promotion challengers Mansfield Town Football Club.
The project represents a significant investment in Mansfield and is set to add an inclusive and accessible sports venue that WPA wants the whole community to enjoy.
“There are a number of key factors that contributed to choosing Mansfield and in particular Mansfield Town Football Club,” said James Bowring, chief operating officer of WPA UK. “But the one that resonates with us most also aligns with the football club’s vision to provide more for the community to enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of the local population.
“As padel is so inclusive and simple to start playing we believe that adding fully covered courts and a clubhouse to the football club site, which has ample parking and is a short walk to the train station, will give everyone easy access to enjoy padel, exercise and socialise with friends,” added James.
That Mansfield is James’ home town and Mansfield Town chairman John Radford is a keen padel player no doubt helped cement the partnership between the two sporting organisations.
John said: “I’ve been playing padel regularly for a few years now in Portugal and it’s one of the most enjoyable sports you can play. It encourages teamwork, discipline and healthy competition. Playing it regularly helps develop healthy fitness habits and I know the people of Mansfield will really enjoy the game. I’m very much looking to playing padel at the club.”
Football club CEO Carolyn Radford was equally enthused about the racket sport, which has seen huge growth in Europe and the Middle East in recent years: “This project fits with our vision to provide more for Mansfield and it will doubtless help enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of our community. Padel will be a really exciting addition to the football club.”
WPA Mansfield will provide group activities, coaching programmes for beginners through to Academy level players and a calendar of tournaments for all levels.
“Geographically Mansfield is located in the heart of the UK and is close to major roads such as the M1, A1, and A38, so will be great for travelling players to compete in WPA and LTA tournaments to support the national infrastructure of developing talent,” said James.
“WPA’s expansion strategy into the UK market is extensive as we are working hard to secure a network of venues across the country. But I have to say I’m very excited to be launching our first fully managed UK venue in my hometown and introduce this amazing game to Mansfield,” he added.
Plans for the padel centre have been submitted to Mansfield District Council. A decision is expected early next year. 🎾
