Leeds United legends and Leeds Rhinos stars open new padel courts in the city
It's the racquet sport that’s sweeping a nation and it’s landed in Leeds.
A new tranche of padel courts have been opened at David Lloyd Leeds in Moortown.
To mark the opening some of the city’s biggest sports stars – young and old – came out for a game.
They included: former Leeds United footballers Brian Deane, Lee Sharpe and Gary MacAllister (right) with Leeds Rhinos first team players Alfie Edgehill and Tom Nicholson-Watton, and former European Tour golfer Simon Hurd.
Ex-Whites star Sharpe showed he is just as good with a padel racquet as he was with that wand of a left foot of his in footballing days.
The club now boasts three state-of-the-art outdoor Padel courts, making it the leading destination in the city for this fast-growing sport. Known as one of the most accessible and enjoyable racket games in the world, Padel is played in doubles, easy to pick up at any age or fitness level, and is famed for being as sociable as it is competitive.
“Padel has a unique way of bringing people together,” said Jack Phillips, general manager. “It’s a game that’s incredibly inclusive – whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, you’ll have fun, stay active, and make connections on and off the court. That’s exactly what we want to offer at David Lloyd Leeds: fitness, friendship, and a sense of community.”
To mark the launch, David Lloyd Leeds hosted a spectacular opening party attended by over 250 members and guests and local sporting legends with the celebration raising an impressive £11,000 for The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards. This annual event, which next takes place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at New Dock Hall in Leeds, celebrates inspirational young people from across Yorkshire who show remarkable courage and resilience.
The new courts and dedicated social area are already proving popular with members, with a full calendar of Padel events, social sessions, and inclusive activities planned throughout the year.
David Lloyd Leeds is proud to be pioneering the Padel movement in the city, giving members not only a new way to stay active but also a vibrant hub to connect, relax, and thrive.
Padel is an up-and-coming sport in Yorkshire and beyond. Here’s a feature on the emerging and popular sport from last year.