University of Lancashire & Soul Padel want to create four padel courts in Preston
The University of Lancashire has revealed plans to create community padel courts in Preston as part of its commitment to providing top-class sporting facilities.
In a new partnership with Soul Padel, four padel courts will be installed at the University’s Sports Arena, subject to planning permission being granted by Preston City Council.
If approved, the new facilities, which will be located on the site of two tennis courts close to the reception, will be available to use by students, staff and the wider community.
To ensure the tempered glass courts can be used all year round, the artificial grass courts will be covered by a canopy roof and equipped with floodlights.
What has the university said about the plans?
Jimmy Khan, Head of Sport and Active Wellbeing at the University of Lancashire, said: “We’re excited to hopefully welcome Soul Padel to our Preston Campus as part of our commitment to supporting innovative, inclusive sport.
“These four courts would enhance our sporting offering for every student and staff member, but they would also help us going forward when British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), the UK’s national governing body of university sport, adopts padel as an official sport. By having padel courts here at the University, we can create a competitive team who will be able to test themselves against other universities.
“In addition, these new facilities would provide a fun way for our local community to get active and socialise.”
Who are Soul Padel & why are they looking to open new courts in Preston?
Following the successful launch of two courts at Loughborough University in March 2025, where the facility opened at 100% occupancy and consistently maintained that level throughout the first month, Soul Padel on Campus is quickly gaining momentum.
The programme is specifically designed to enhance the student experience, foster wider community engagement, and create sustainable commercial opportunities for universities.
“This one is special,” said Mark Hewlett, Founder and CEO of Soul Padel. “I grew up just down the road, so to hopefully be bringing Soul Padel to the heart of Lancashire genuinely means the world to me.
“We’re not just putting in courts, we’re building a space where people can come together, let off steam, and reconnect with movement and community. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports for a reason; it’s social, it’s addictive, and it gets people smiling. That’s what Soul Padel on Campus is all about.”
The partnership at the University of Lancashire would see an investment of £600,000 by Soul Padel and a commitment of at least 10 years, ensuring padel becomes a permanent and vibrant part of campus life.