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 Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.
And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.
The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.
The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.
Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.
As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.
This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.
Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.
It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.
Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.
“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.
“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it
Emily Sergeant
Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.
The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.
If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).
An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.
Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.
He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.
So, what’s on Erling’s list then?
Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.
Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd
First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.
He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.
As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.
Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”
Danny Jones -
9th April 2024 
