Padel news: Manchester Padel Club taps into corporate events as padel boom reshapes networking
Manchester’s fast-growing padel scene is opening up new opportunities for corporate hospitality, with Manchester Padel Club positioning itself as a leading venue for business events in the North West.
The Heald Green–based club, which has invested over £1 million into its facilities and has partnerships with Monaco, Madrid, and Marbella padel clubs, is seeing increasing demand from companies looking for more engaging, social alternatives to traditional client entertainment and team-building activities.
Surging popularity
Padel, a fast-paced doubles sport often described as a mix of tennis and squash, has surged in popularity across the UK, with more than 800,000 active players nationwide according to the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) recent research.
Its accessibility, short learning curve, and social format are making it an attractive option for businesses seeking inclusive and interactive experiences.
Manchester Padel Club has already hosted over 17,000 players and is now expanding its corporate offering, providing tailored events ranging from small group-networking sessions to full-scale tournaments and brand activations.
Clients include UnderArmour, Pall Mall Medical, and Digital Next.
Something different
David Thomas, co-founder of Manchester Padel Club, said: “Businesses are looking for something different.
“Traditional hospitality doesn’t always create real interaction, whereas padel gets people moving, talking, and working together straight away.
“It’s easy to pick up, which means everyone can get involved regardless of experience.
“That makes it a powerful tool for team building, client engagement, and networking. We’re seeing a real shift towards these more social, experience-led events.”
The club offers a flexible corporate events programme, including coached padel experiences, competitive tournaments for larger groups, and full venue takeovers for brand activations and content production.
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Seamless experience
Events can be supported with coaching, equipment, and catering, creating a seamless experience for organisers.
Commenting on the partnership, Mark Blackhust, founder of Digital Next, said: "The team at Digital Next wanted to step away for a day from their usual focus on AI services and digital marketing and create a fun, real-world experience that was genuinely engaging.
“Manchester Padel Club delivered exactly that.
“The Digital Next Open, a 24-team doubles business tournament, was a huge success, with padel providing a natural way for clients and partners to connect in a relaxed yet competitive environment.
“Nothing was too much trouble for the team.”
Experience-driven formats
The rise of padel reflects a broader trend in the UK’s leisure and hospitality sector, where businesses are moving towards more interactive and experience-driven formats.
Manchester Padel Club’s investment and expansion come as the city continues to strengthen its position as a hub for emerging sports and premium leisure experiences.
Alongside its corporate offering, the club recently launched its academy, led by former world top 10 player Leo Padovani and announced a 10-year performance and development plan in partnership with Touch Padel.
The strategy aims to grow participation across all levels, from grassroots through to elite competition.
As demand continues to grow, Manchester Padel Club is positioning itself at the forefront of the sport’s commercial and community development in the region.
For more information about corporate events at Manchester Padel Club, visit: www.manchesterpadel.club/corporate
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