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.
Salford RLFC finally confirm new head and assistant coaches
Danny Jones
Salford RLFC have finally announced their new head and assistant coach picks as the new rugby league season fast approaches.
The Salfordian phoenix club had already confirmed they’d reached provisional pre-contract agreements with a new boss and several players following the news of the consortium bid that kept the sporting institution alive, but now they officially have a new leadership team to get behind.
Following Salford Red Devils’ resurrection by the aforementioned investment group – though it still remains unclear whether this will eventually include a full rebranding – familiar face Mike Grady and his assistant Dave Hewitt are now in place.
They replace ex-boss Paul Rowley, now at St Helens, and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty, who both left in October and September of last year, respectively.
Sharing the news in an official statement on their new Instagram account amid a major overhaul of their online presence, the local side wrote: “We are proud to announce Mike as the new Head Coach of Salford RLFC, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach.
“Mike brings over 12 years of coaching experience across club and international rugby, most recently leading the Salford Women’s team and previously coaching at Widnes.
“His appointment marks another big step forward in our rebuild, combining experience, passion and a deep understanding of what Salford rugby league stands for: hard work, resilience and exciting rugby.
“Joining him, Dave Hewitt, former St Helens and England Academy player, will focus on developing our attacking play and nurturing new talent.”
Hewitt also played for Oldham RLFC across three spells, as well as Rochdale Hornets.
As for the board, they sign off by adding: “Together, Mike and Dave represent the energy and belief driving this new era for Salford RLFC.”
With several ‘key announcements’ soon to be made, we can expect a better idea of what the new and hopefully improved Salford will look like in time for their opener against the Roughyeds in the Championship on Friday, 16 January.
It is worth noting that the club have yet to reveal any actual squad signings.
As for co-owner Caton-Brown, who knows all about the club and the community from his several years playing in the area, we have the pleasure of chatting with him first-hand about the vision for their future.
As a result, Pep Guardiola and co. have decided to cut the 20-year-old’s loan spell at Championship outfit Watford FC short to bolster their ranks along the backline.
The Italian journalist gave the reports the ‘Here We Go!’ seal of approval on Monday, 5 January, following confirmation of Gvardiol‘s ankle problem.
“Man City act fast as Josko Gvardiol will now be out for several weeks with injury”, he writes, “and so Max Alleyne returns.”
Himself a bit of a utility player, having also been deployed in defensive midfield on occasion, the Bristol-born youth academy product could prove a useful option in various positions across the pitch.
While Guardiola admitted that the versatile Croatian star’s issue “doesn’t look good” – this being the same ankle he had surgery on back in November 2025 – it remains to be seen how serious his Portuguese teammate’s muscle concern is.
Romano continues: “Alleyne has been doing great at Watford on loan… City informed the London club this morning, even if they’re very happy [with] how they managed Max over recent months. Club-to-club good relationship, City wanted Alleyne in their squad ASAP, and Watford let Max leave today.”
The England prospect has represented his country in every age group from the under-17s to Lee Carsley’s U21 side, and has certainly impressed on the national stage.
Danny Jones -
9th April 2024 
