Introduction
Every summer, Wimbledon captures global attention — the precision, the pressure, the ritual of grass-court tennis at its highest level. But this year in Plymouth, that energy doesn’t stay on screen.
It spills out into the city.
For two weeks, Plymouth City Centre becomes something more than a shopping and social hub — it becomes a live, playable extension of Wimbledon itself, with a pop-up padel court hosting completely free school sessions designed to get young people moving, competing, and connecting.
Padel — fast, social, and instantly addictive — is the perfect gateway sport. And during Wimbledon Fortnight, it becomes part of something bigger: a shared cultural moment where sport, community, and summer collide.
Event Details
- Location: Plymouth City Centre Pop-Up Court
- Dates: 29 June – 10 July
- Time: Weekdays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Participants: School-aged children
- Cost: 100% free
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another school activity slot. It’s a carefully designed experience that blends sport, accessibility, and atmosphere.
At a time when youth participation in sport can be limited by cost or access, these sessions remove barriers entirely — creating a space where anyone can step in, pick up a racket, and play.
Padel’s appeal lies in its immediacy. Within minutes, beginners are rallying. Within an hour, they’re competing. And within a session, something shifts — confidence grows, coordination sharpens, and a sense of belonging emerges.
At the same time, the backdrop of Wimbledon adds something intangible but powerful:
context, inspiration, and scale.
Why Join?
- No Cost, No Barriers
Completely free access to a professionally delivered sports experience - Instantly Accessible Sport
Padel is easy to learn, fast-paced, and social from the very first session - Confidence Through Play
Build coordination, teamwork, and self-belief in a supportive setting - Part of a Bigger Moment
Play while Wimbledon unfolds — connecting grassroots sport with global competition - Active, Social, Real
A break from screens, a chance to move, compete, and connect in real life
What Each Session Includes
Every session is structured to balance learning with enjoyment, ensuring participants stay engaged throughout:
- Professional Coaching
Qualified coaches guide players through drills, gameplay, and progression - All Equipment Provided
No preparation needed — rackets and balls are ready on arrival - Focused Group Sizes (20–25 players)
Enough energy for competition, small enough for real attention - Live Wimbledon Screenings
Matches shown on a big screen — reinforcing the connection between participation and elite sport
The Atmosphere
There’s something uniquely powerful about playing sport in a public space.
People stop. They watch. They engage. The boundary between participant and spectator dissolves.
In Plymouth City Centre, this pop-up court becomes a stage — not just for performance, but for discovery. A place where young players try something new, often for the first time, and realise they can do more than they thought.
And above it all, Wimbledon plays on — a constant reminder of where sport can lead.
How to Book
Places are limited and demand is expected to be high.
To secure a session for your school or group:
Email: sally.lewin@pdlu.co.uk
Bookings are first come, first served. Early contact is strongly recommended.
Join Us!
This is a rare intersection of free access, high-quality coaching, and cultural timing.
Two weeks.
A central location.
A sport that’s growing faster than almost any other in the UK.
If you work with young people, run a school group, or simply want to give students something genuinely memorable this summer — this is it.
Don’t wait for spaces to disappear.
Email now. Secure your slot. Get your group on court.
