Ace Padel, a growing racket sport venue, has launched its second site in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent, this month. Founded by Jamie Reynolds and Lewis Wooley, the company aims to make padel more accessible to local communities. The new outdoor facility offers lower prices and extended hours to accommodate demand from the popular first center.
Padel, a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash played on a walled court, is gaining traction in Stoke-on-Trent thanks to Ace Padel's expansion. The company's flagship Cobridge center opened in December and has already welcomed over 2,000 players in eight weeks, driven by outreach programs that promote inclusivity.
Jamie Reynolds, 50, from Endon, explained the timeline: “Ironically, we thought the Milton site would have launched before our flagship base in Cobridge. But the planning application for the Milton site got wrapped up in red tape which meant it took a little longer to go through. But it has ended up working out for the best.”
The success of the Cobridge site has led to booking challenges due to high demand. Reynolds noted, “Because it’s been so popular, it’s actually been difficult for people to find a booking at the minute. So Milton opening will help to deal with that overspill and help us work with communities in the daytime. We’re trying to work with schools, charities and demographics, placing rackets in hands to make playing more accessible and affordable.”
Located at The Hardman Centre on Millrise Road, the Milton site operates outdoors from 7am to 9.30pm daily. Entry costs £8 per person, 15% less than at Cobridge, thanks to lower operating expenses. “The main difference between the Cobridge and Milton sites is that Milton is outdoors,” Reynolds said. “That allows us to make the price point even more accessible. It’s more padel for even less than before essentially.”
Players can access the site independently before 4pm when staff arrive. Membership spans both locations to foster a broader community, with added training sessions planned. The venue integrates with the center's 17 football fields, community spaces, bar, showers, and events. Reynolds expressed pride in the diverse player base: “Our data has shown a huge mix of people from all different walks of life coming to enjoy the game... So now to be able to expand that and make it even easier for people to get involved is a great thing.”
This expansion underscores Ace Padel's commitment to affordability and community engagement in the region.