Liverpool now has its first indoor padel courts after Ignite Padel opened a 10 court centre in Speke this week.
The venue is the company’s third in the region and the first in the city to offer indoor play.
Ignite Padel, which launched its first site on Queens Drive in April last year and a second in Cheshire Oaks in September, has grown alongside the sport, which it describes as the fastest growing racquet sport in the world.
The Speke site was originally designed to have 12 courts, but the layout was revised during planning. The final design now features six indoor courts and four outdoor covered courts, freeing space for spectators and community activities.
Partner Thomas Lawton said the change supports both elite events and local players.
“We initially looked at building twelve courts in total but had a change of heart for several reasons,” he said.
“Firstly we wanted to be able to offer more viewing spaces for big tournaments with the International Padel Federation. They can now hold world level events at this site due to the mix of courts and spectator space.
“We also want the local community to be able to use the centre as a hub for a range of different services. From community events to academy training. Our aim for this Speke site is for it to be a 24-hour site also.”
Initially, the new site will operate from six in the morning until midnight every day.
All courts at the venue have been imported from Spain and are approved by the Lawn Tennis Association, and Partner Stephen Broad said the indoor courts provide a different style of play.
“We have imported all the courts from Spain and they are championship standard quality and LTA approved,” he said.
“It is not just about being able to play in all weathers, the indoor game tends to attract more elite players because it is seen as a more pure form.
“It is a different experience to playing outdoors because there is no wind so you get a truer trajectory on the ball.”
The centre includes a licensed bar, a specialist coffee shop showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports, and a retail store where players can buy racquets, balls and clothing in person.
Coaching is available for all levels, including sessions led by experienced players such as Paige Williams, who brings professional experience from football into her training programmes.
Ignite also runs what it describes as the largest padel WhatsApp group in the North West, allowing players to find partners and join matches quickly.
Ignite Padel plans to open a total of five sites across the North West within 12 months. Partner Chris Watson said the company has expanded quickly since opening its first site.
“By the time this site opens we will have also created around 40 full and part time jobs since opening our first site on Queens Drive in Stoneycroft in April last year,” he said.
“This is something all three partners are very proud of as a new local company from the city creating jobs in padel tennis.”
With the Speke venue now open, Liverpool has indoor padel for the first time, offering players an all weather option and facilities capable of hosting high level competition.
