The world of Padel is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet and that momentum isn’t only getting bigger as it has now been revealed that the largest Padel facility anywhere in the North is set to be built right in Greater Manchester.
Although there are already a few places to play the increasingly popular tennis spin-off, including Deansgate Square’s Club de Padel – the first dedicated space for the sport anywhere in Manchester – this latest addition to the Manc sports circuit will be the biggest of its kind outside of London.
After plans were officially approved on Monday, 8 April, The Padel Club’s brand-new location is set to land in Trafford by the end of 2024, with construction set to start this summer.
The announcement also accompanied a slate of new CGIs from developers Peel Waters, giving us a glimpse of what the new 11-court and multi-purpose facility will look like.
PLANNING APPROVED @ThePadelClub is coming to @TraffordCity! 11 courts, (9 indoor courts & 2 open-air courts) An onsite clubhouse for relaxation and socialising On site retail Coffee bar and dining options. A dedicated fitness & conditioning area EV Charge points And so much more! pic.twitter.com/0k0OgrkEaU
Manchester’s newest state-of-the-art Padel facility is set to arrive by the end of the year.
Consisting of nine indoor courts, these being the first to open in the region, two open-air playing surfaces as well as leisure offerings including food and drink spaces, an integrated gym area and an exclusive clubhouse to chill in, the aim looks to be encouraging players spend hours on end here.
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Currently based out of Wilmslow and with Padel having recently landed at the likes of South Manchester Sports Club over in Gatley, The Padel Club’s expansion in Trafford marks a huge step forward for the discipline as they look to take shape in one of the North’s biggest sporting hubs.
Kristopher Ball, founder and chief executive at the brand, said of the announcement: “We are incredibly excited to expand our Padel Club to the vibrant grounds of TraffordCity.
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“This new facility marks a pivotal moment for us, and we look forward to welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers to experience the joy of Padel in this world-class destination.”
This will be just the third sports facility offering Padel anywhere in Greater Manchester. (Credit: Peel Waters)
Trafford Council signed off the £2.5m redevelopment of the 1.5-acre site this week as the new development promises to be a major new venue not only for sport, but health and socialising, not to mention benefitting economic growth and providing new jobs for the local area.
Original investors in Padel include past and present sportsmen Michael Vaughan, England cricket legend Jos Butler, as well as ex-Man City stars and Premier League veterans James Milner and Shay Given.
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Former national team captain turned commentator, Vaughan, said of the new development: “This is going to be fantastic. I’m delighted to be involved with The Padel Club and so pleased that TraffordCity has been given the go-ahead.
“I can’t wait for the Padel community to grow”, he added. “In my humble opinion, Padel is the best sport that incorporates all abilities, all ages and is so much fun.” We can’t lie, we’ve had a few people in the office get involved of late too and we’re becoming firm fans ourselves.
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Popular Manchester attraction offering FREE entry to anyone who shares a name with these England players
Emily Sergeant
A popular Manchester attraction is offering people the chance to visit for free this summer… but only if they have certain names.
That’s right – Museum of Illusions is giving football fans an extra reason to celebrate every goal this summer, as the city centre attraction is offering free entry to anyone whose first name matches that of a Three Lions player that scores in an England fixture.
So if Harry Kane scores, all Harrys are in. If Jude Bellingham gets on the scoresheet, Judes can claim a free ticket. The same goes for Anthony, Ollie, or any other England player who bags a goal as the tournament foes on, meaning thousands more fans will be able to have their minds blown and let their imaginations run wild this summer.
The offer will run from tomorrow (Thursday 18 June) until 18 July – with the list of eligible names growing every time an England player finds the back of the net.
To claim their free ticket, visitors simply need to show valid photo ID at the admissions desk confirming their first name matches that of a confirmed England goalscorer.
Located on Market Street at the heart of the city centre, Museum of Illusions features more than 50 interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and trick the senses.
Proving to be hugely popular since opening its doors back in 2024, visitors to Museum of Illusions can explore gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, immersive installations, and holograms that create unforgettable photo opportunities for families and friends (and football fans) alike.
Free entry to Museum of Illusions in Manchester will be granted until 18 July 2026, and you can find out more info and opening times before you visit here.
Danny Jones -
9th April 2024 
