Padel and pickleball, the fastest growing sports in the world, have arrived in Malton.
Two indoor padel courts and one indoor pickleball are opening at Malton Enterprise Park (MEP) in North Yorkshire.
Casa Del Padel is being run by ex-York City star Andy McMillan and his family, together with Sean and Sue Harrison, the developers of the flourishing enterprise park.
Casa Del Padel will be officially opened on the morning of Saturday May 31. York City legends are also hoping to make an appearance on the launch day, which will be open to the public from 12 noon to 4 pm with music, food and drinks.
This is the latest in a range of exciting ventures at the park, situated next to the A64 York-Scarborough Road, as well as to the town of Malton.
Andy explained: “There is no doubt that padel, together with its sister sport pickleball, is the fastest growing sport in the world. They are unstoppable. There is clearly a pent-up demand for courts in Malton and North Yorkshire, and we are confident we have created a great venue.”
For the uninitiated, padel and pickleball are both racquet sports, but padel is played on an enclosed court with walls, while pickleball is played on an open court, with padel using a tennis-like ball and paddles and pickleball using a plastic perforated ball and paddles.
Andy continued: “Our padel and pickleball courts are part of a Health Hub at Malton Enterprise Park, which also now includes a 24/7 gym together with other activities on site and our brand-new Café.
“Casa Del Padel is a tremendously exciting venture for myself and my family. We are working in partnership with MEP and we all believe the enterprise park, with its fantastic location close to the A64, is the perfect venue for padel and pickleball courts.
“It is astonishing how Padel has taken off, with celebrity enthusiasts including the Prince of Wales, England cricketing superstar Joe Root, David Beckham and actor Hugh Grant. It is an incredibly easy, social and addictive game and it’s not surprising people get hooked on it so quickly. And, of course, it’s very good for your health.”
Andy explained that how the courts in TWO buildings at the park would be split between padel and pickleball would depend on the demand shown during the first month or so after opening.
He explained: “The popularity figures for both sports are extraordinary, and it is striking that they appeal to a wide demographic – people of all ages and experience.
“Player numbers for padel doubled from 129,000 to 235,000 in 2024 and there’s every reason to believe they will double, if not treble, this year. Padel IS LIKELY TO become an Olympic sport in 2032.”
He added: “To those who already play padel and/or pickleball, do please come and try out our courts. You won’t be disappointed. And, if you are new to both sports, why not give them a go? I think a treat lies in store for you.”
Sean Harrison commented: “We are very proud of what we have already achieved at our business park, creating hundreds of new and sustainable jobs. The new padel and pickleball venture, together with our brand-new café the Blu fig, which is already getting rave reviews, is taking our park to a completely new level.
“The site’s success is due to the excellent occupiers, which include large and small businesses, both of which are equally important to the business park. It is also important to pay tribute to our workforce, who have all played a key part in the site’s exceptional growth.”
