Soul Padel and Decathlon Expand Partnership with Planning Approval for New Stockport Facility

Soul Padel has secured planning permission to build a state-of-the-art padel facility in Stockport, marking a significant step in the company’s rapid expansion across the UK and strengthening its partnership with sporting goods retailer Decathlon.

This development follows several recent milestones that underscore Soul Padel’s commitment to growing the sport nationwide. Notable achievements include planning consent for a new St Helens site in October, an agreement to develop courts at Bolton School earlier this month, and the submission of their Glasgow Decathlon site for consideration as a permanent facility.

The new Stockport facility will feature four canopy-covered courts and a clubhouse, replacing the two temporary courts launched earlier this year. Construction is set to begin before Christmas, with the permanent courts expected to open in early 2025.

Since introducing their temporary courts in Stockport, Soul Padel has welcomed over 2,000 players, reflecting the rising demand for padel in the North West. The company’s vision is to make padel accessible and inclusive, attracting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.

Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel, highlighted the strategic importance
of this expansion:

“Securing planning permission for our Stockport facility is another milestone in our mission to bring padel to a broader audience across the UK. The enthusiastic response to our temporary courts demonstrates the sport’s growth potential. With our new facility, we’ll be better positioned to meet increasing demand. Combined with our recent planning announcements and the activation of our partnership with Applied Nutrition, this marks an exciting phase in our journey to establish Soul Padel as a leading force in the sport.”

Padel, a dynamic sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. Its accessibility and social nature have contributed to its rapid global growth, with participation
surging across the UK.

Soul Padel’s expansion plans reflect its confidence in the sport’s future. The company aims to build a nationwide network of high-quality facilities, fostering vibrant padel communities. In addition to strengthening their partnership with Decathlon to develop further sites adjacent to retail stores, Soul Padel has introduced tailored offerings for independent schools and universities. These initiatives promote healthy lifestyles among students and the broader community while providing valuable commercial opportunities for partner institutions.