Powerleague is launching four state-of-the-art padel courts at its Stoke Trentham Lakes site following an £815,000 investment. The courts will officially open on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as part of a broader £14 million expansion across the UK. This addition aims to promote the rapidly growing sport of padel in the local community.
Powerleague, the UK's leading provider of small-sided football facilities, is introducing padel courts at its club in Stoke-on-Trent. Located on Dennis Violet Avenue at Trentham Lakes, the site will feature four fully canopied, all-year-round courts, marking Powerleague's eighth padel venue. The investment of £815,000 supports this launch, which is one of 17 dedicated padel clubs planned nationwide, totaling 76 courts by the end of 2026.
Padel, a sport similar to tennis, has seen a surge in popularity, with the number of courts in the UK growing rapidly over the past four years. According to the LTA, player numbers are expected to reach 400,000 by the end of 2026. Powerleague anticipates the expansion will make the sport accessible to more than 200,000 players annually. Players at the new courts will have access to top-of-the-range Babolat equipment, with rackets available for hire on-site. Sessions can be booked in 60- or 90-minute slots via the Playtomic app, starting from £6.50 per person, and include introductory coaching and organized social play.
John Gillespie, chief executive officer at Powerleague, stated: “We’ve been part of the Stoke community for more than 20 years and have seen first-hand the positive impact sport can have on both physical and mental wellbeing in the area. That’s why we’re delighted to be expanding our offer at our Stoke Trentham Lakes club with the addition of Padel courts.” He added: “Padel’s inclusive and social nature makes it a natural fit for the multisport environment we’re continuing to build, and it gives even more people the opportunity to discover and enjoy one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. We’re looking forward to welcoming players onto the new courts and continuing to support the Stoke community to stay active, social and connected.”
To celebrate the opening, Powerleague is hosting a community event on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5pm to 9pm. Local residents and players can participate in free 'Intro to Padel' sessions and a free-to-enter tournament with prizes. Food, drink, and music will be provided for attendees and spectators. The venue already offers five-a-side and seven-a-side 3G football pitches, floodlighting, changing facilities, free on-site parking, a bar, and a function room. A spokesperson for Powerleague noted: “The addition of Padel further strengthens the venue's role as a key sporting and social hub for the local community.”
