Accrington Stanley Community Trust brings padel to town

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is investing £600,000 to bring the rapidly growing sport of padel to Accrington for the very first time.

Two new covered and floodlit padel courts are being developed at the Stanley Sports Hub, with the new facility set to open this November.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK and across Europe, and the major investment by the Community Trust will give people across Accrington and the surrounding area the opportunity to enjoy the sport on their doorstep.

Work is already under way, with the courts being built on previously unused land at the edge of the Stanley Sports Hub site, transforming the area into a high-quality sporting and social space.

Alongside the two courts, a new catering and reception unit will be created to manage bookings and welcome players, while also offering snacks and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

The project marks another important stage in the continued development of the Stanley Sports Hub, which has benefited from significant investment over recent years and has grown into a £5m community sports facility.

Padel has enjoyed a huge rise in popularity and is a highly accessible and social sport. It can be enjoyed by complete beginners, families and groups of friends, as well as more experienced players.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust CEO Martin Fearon said: “We’re really excited to be bringing padel to Accrington for the very first time. This is a significant investment which will transform a previously unused edge of the site into a fantastic new facility for the community.

“Padel is growing incredibly quickly, and its accessibility and social side make it a great fit for the Stanley Sports Hub. We’re all really excited to see the courts taking shape and to welcome the first players in November.”

Accrington Stanley CEO Warren Eastham said: “The Stanley Sports Hub has become a real asset for Accrington and it’s fantastic to see the Community Trust continuing to create new opportunities for people across the area.

“Bringing something completely new to the town is really positive. Padel has the potential to attract people of all ages and abilities, including those who might not normally take part in traditional sports, and that can only be a good thing for our community.”

A number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses looking to be part of the new development, including an exclusive headline padel partnership and individual partnership opportunities for each of the two courts.