A Day of Padel: Taking on the Tournament at WPA Padel Centre
Friday, I found myself in an unexpected yet exciting situation—competing in a padel tournament alongside a friend. As proud sponsors of MTFC, we were invited to take part in the event, marking the launch of their brand-new WPA Padel Centre. While padel might not be my usual game, the opportunity to get involved, meet other players, and experience the fast-paced, social side of the sport was too good to pass up.
From the moment we stepped onto the court, it was clear that this wasn’t just a casual hit-around. The atmosphere was buzzing, with teams eager to test their skills, and the new centre providing the perfect backdrop for a competitive yet friendly tournament. We battled through the group stages, getting into the rhythm of the game, adjusting to the glass walls, and trying to keep rallies alive as long as possible.
It was also the perfect opportunity to put the 578 Sports Range to the test. Designed for both style and performance, the range held up brilliantly under the intensity of the matches, keeping us comfortable and looking sharp throughout the day.
With the early rounds behind us, it was time to refuel. Lunch was supplied by event sponsors Crunch, and they certainly delivered. I opted for a sweet salmon dish, which was spot on—exactly what was needed before heading into the knockout phase.
As the competition heated up, every point felt more crucial. We pushed through to the semi-finals but fell just short of the final. That left us in the third-place playoff, one last chance to make the podium. Despite giving it everything, we narrowly missed out, finishing 4th out of 20 pairs—not a bad result for our first proper padel outing!
All in all, it was a fantastic day, from the top-tier organisation to the competitive but welcoming spirit of the tournament. The new WPA Padel Centre is a brilliant addition to the local scene, and after this experience, I will be picking up a Padel racket on a regular basis.
Give it a go and let me know how you find it.