Island Padel is officially launching on Thursday 17th February, with a brand, website and action-packed calendar of programmes and competitions.
The launch is in anticipation of the new million-pound facility being complete at the end of April, enabling Islanders to have a go at what is fast becoming one of the world’s new favourite sports.
The state-of-the-art facility, based at St Clements Golf & Sports Centre, will be the joint largest padel facility in the British Isles. Two existing courts are being fully refurbished with an enhanced sub-surface, new championship carpets and floodlights fitted, and there will be three new indoor floodlight canopy covered championship courts.
The new website incorporates a 3D video ‘fly through’ of the facility, information about the sport and coaching, a calendar of events as well as an easy online system to book courts.
Funding for Island Padel was bolstered in 2021, when they received £425,000 from the Government’s Fiscal Stimulus Fund to encourage Islanders to increase their level of physical activity. Padel is a fun, social racket sport for all abilities and ages. It is easy to pick up, which explains why its popularity is exploding around the world.
The founder of Island Padel, Scott Clayton, a former Wimbledon doubles competitor, said: “I am so excited that we will soon see a facility for the community in Jersey that is accessible for all, rather than one that requires membership.
“A facility of this stature would usually come with a high membership fee, but the new courts in St Clement will be something that everyone can access. This is an incredible opportunity for the Island.”
Scott added: “At Island Padel, we are not just building a world-class facility – we are building a vibrant community. Everyone is made to feel welcome and valued. It is a place where people can enjoy themselves whilst being more physically active. There is such an amazing buzz and energy!”
As well as launching a comprehensive schools programme, with after school and term time holiday camps, Island Padel is also working closely with a non-profit organisation, Padel for All, to help lower income families gain access to the sport, with an emphasis on children.
Morgan Jubb, Founder of Padel for All, said: “I am so excited to see this project coming together. I believe it’s going to be a success story where the Government of Jersey, our sponsors at Rathbones and the charity work together with Scott Clayton, a high calibre homegrown sporting professional.
“This new facility will deliver real benefits to the Island’s community in terms of increasing physical activity together with all the benefits that come with doing this, including improving mental health.”
