Manchester will welcome its own Padel club later this year, with four brand new courts for the world’s fastest-growing sport.
Padel is a mash-up of tennis and squash, where players are enclosed by walls and can play the ball off any wall.
Club de Padel will have four brand-new courts when it opens at Deansgate Square – and it’s just revealed its opening date.
The sport was first invented in Mexico in the late 1960s but has exploded in popularity across Europe in recent years, drawing legions of famous fans.
Andy Murray, David Beckham, Pep Guardiola and Serena Williams have all declared themselves fans, and Lionel Messi went so far as to install a Padel court at his home.
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The fast-paced and fun sport is almost always played in doubles, and is described as ‘hugely sociable’ and ‘addictive’.
A planning application has been submitted to Manchester City Council which, if approved, will see Club de Padel open later this year or early next, seven days a week.
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Rackets and balls will be provided, with bookings made through an app which will allow you to connect, join matches, and split payments.
Club de Padel hopes to establish an inclusive and thriving Padel community in Manchester, with social matches, coaching, tournaments and corporate events taking place throughout the year.
Co-Founder David Blake said: “Ever since we first encountered Padel in Barcelona several years ago, we have been desperate to bring this amazing sport to Manchester.
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“It’s great fun, hugely sociable and easy to pick-up, so we know it’s going to be a smash at Deansgate Square.”
Fellow co-founder Matt McKinlay added: “It’s just so addictive. Everyone who plays Padel loves it right away.
Club de Padel will open at Deansgate Square. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny GiosPadel is coming to Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Oliver Sjostrom
“The city centre location is ideal for both residents and professionals looking for a new way to socialise and network.
“The community aspect is something that’s very important to us at Club de Padel. We want everyone from school kids to young professionals to older residents to come along and give Padel a go.”
Club de Padel will make up part of Phase 3 of the Great Jackson Street masterplan, occupying the site of what will eventually form a four-tower cluster.
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Court bookings will open in August – sign up here to be the first to receive the dates.
Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
Manchester
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
26th July 2023 
