Soul Padel is proud to announce a new partnership with Wigan Council that will bring six covered padel courts to Robin Park Leisure Centre, marking an exciting step forward in expanding accessible, community-focused racket sports across the borough.
Wigan, UK – 27 March 2026
Set to open in autumn, the new facility reflects Soul Padel’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages and abilities can meet, play and connect. The development also complements wider investment in local tennis, including four new courts at Mesnes Park and enhanced community programming.
Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We’re really excited to announce a new long-term partnership with Soul Padel to bring this exciting, fast-growing phenomenon to Robin Park.
“Padel is a great sport for being active and socialising with friends and family, so it’s no surprise more and more people are taking it up all the time.
“As well as being founded by a Wiganer, our new partners at Soul Padel are really big on community and connection so it really is a great fit with our Be Well brand and all the activities that we already offer at Robin Park and across the borough.
“It’s also great news for tennis, allowing us to invest in quality, accessible and affordable facilities for local people to enjoy while expanding activities for children, families and adults alike. It really is a win-win all-round!”
Padel continues to gain momentum across the UK and globally. Through this partnership, Soul Padel aims to introduce even more people in Wigan to the game, supporting physical activity, social connection, and overall wellbeing.
Mark Hewlett, Founder and CEO of Soul Padel, said: “I consider myself a very proud pie eating Wiganer through and through, so to be able to open my business in my hometown is a massive milestone for me personally and Soul Padel more broadly.
“It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with Wigan Council as we aim to deliver a truly accessible, affordable, community-centred Soul Padel club at Robin Park.
“Padel has a way of pulling people in. Whether you’re competitive, social, or just giving it a go for the first time, you step on court and you’re straight into the action.
“We’re also looking forward to introducing programmes like ‘Soul Sisters’, ‘Soul Timers’ and ‘What’s That Racket?’, so that more women, kids and over 50s across the community have a way into the game.
“For us, this is about more than just courts; it’s about building a place where people can meet, play and connect, and we can’t wait to get started in Wigan.”
Alongside the new padel courts, the partnership supports the council’s broader ambitions to grow racket sports participation locally. Investment in tennis facilities and programming will provide additional opportunities for children, families, and adults to get active, with a strong focus on accessibility and community engagement.
This initiative aligns with Soul Padel’s wider mission to expand across the UK, working with local authorities and organisations to create welcoming environments that encourage healthier lifestyles and stronger communities through sport.
As the Wigan site progresses towards opening, Soul Padel looks forward to helping more people discover the unique, social nature of padel.
About Soul Padel
Soul Padel is a community-driven padel operator focused on making one of the world’s fastest-growing sports accessible to everyone. Soul Padel creates welcoming spaces where people can meet, play and connect. With a growing network of clubs across the UK and partnerships with leading organisations including Decathlon, Soul Padel is committed to supporting physical wellbeing, mental health and long-term participation in sport.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mark Hewlett
Email: mark@soulpadel.co.uk
Phone: 07961310078
Website: soulpadel.co.uk
