The event brought together Stockport Shapes Alliance and the Physical Education leads for 40 primary schools across the Stockport area.
The PE teachers were warmly welcomed by Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel, along with the wider Soul Padel team. Attendees learned about padel directly from Mark, who shared insights into the sport’s rapid growth and accessibility. Following this, everyone was given the opportunity to try their hand at the game during a lively taster session on the courts.
The event also marked the launch of Soul Padel’s new initiative, which will see the facility offering free court time every week for primary and secondary school pupils. This program is designed to encourage young people to experience and enjoy facilitated padel sessions, helping to grow the sport within the community.
Soul Padel’s courts, conveniently located next to the Decathlon store in Stockport, have become a hub for introducing people to the sport.
Stockport Shapes Alliance, which supports schools in developing and maintaining high-quality physical education, sport, and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle for all pupils, played an instrumental role in the event working with Dean Hardman, Soul Padel’s Participation and Sport Development Lead. This partnership underscores the common goal that unites both parties of promoting active, healthy lifestyles for young people in Stockport.
Mark Hewlett shared his vision for the initiative: "We've been very clear from the launch of our site here in Stockport that we want padel to be for everyone, and we're delighted that over recent months we've built a community here which is inclusive and vibrant.
"I firmly believe that padel courts should not be the exclusive domain of just one type of player. For us, a successful padel court is one where the widest possible range of players feel welcome, and that's why I wanted to commit to donating courts for free to bring younger players in our local area into the game."
He added: "We’re very pleased to be working with Stockport Shapes Alliance on this initiative. Their commitment to supporting schools in delivering high-quality physical activity makes them an ideal partner, and we thank them for their interest and collaboration."
PE leads attending the event had the opportunity to book sessions for their pupils on the spot, with enthusiastic uptake reported. This partnership-driven initiative is expected to introduce hundreds of local children to padel over the coming months.
This program aligns with Soul Padel’s mission to make the sport accessible to all and foster an inclusive community that reflects the diversity of the Stockport area.
