Serving Up Something New Padel Comes to Town Powerhouse Padel Brings a Sporting First to Coleraine Game On
indoor skate park in the former JJB building, Elliott and Simon believe their project offers the perfect mix of activity and community. “This is something people of all ages can enjoy,” Elliott says. “It’s about creating a hub where people can connect.” The pair are already thinking beyond the courts. A coffee shop and additional activities could follow, with some unused space in the building offering potential for expansion. But for now, the priority is getting the doors open. And for those wanting to get involved off-court? “If you’re a local business and looking to get connected, we’d love to chat,” says Simon. “There are corporate packages as well as sponsorship opportunities available.” The grand opening is pencilled in for early to mid-October, depending on the timely arrival of the courts. Until then, updates will be shared on Instagram - powerhouse_padel, where the team promise to document the transformation from empty shell to buzzing sports destination. “Padel is for everyone,” Simon says. “We want to see the courts full of people, from beginners to seasoned players. The North Coast deserves something fresh and exciting – and we can’t wait to bring it.”
COLERAINE’S LONG-EMPTY former JJB Sports building is about to get a fresh lease of life, and this time, it’s all about padel. Entrepreneurs Elliott McKew and Simon Moutray are set to launch Powerhouse Padel later this year, bringing Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing racket sport right into the heart of the North Coast. “We’ve been playing padel for about a year and a half,” explains Simon. “When we realised the demand for facilities far outweighed supply, we started looking for the perfect spot. The JJB building ticked all the boxes, the headroom, the space, and the location.” The location, they say, was too good to pass up. “You’ve got the university, summer tourism, and a lot of people with second homes up here,” Elliott notes. “It’s a great mix of year-round players and seasonal interest.” With five courts in the pipeline, four doubles and one singles, the venue will welcome everyone from Ulster University students to retirees seeking a new social sport. “It’s low impact, easy to pick up, and can be played at any intensity,” says Elliott. “We’ve actually been surprised at the interest from older players as much as younger ones.” Padel, often described as a mix between squash and tennis, is a global phenomenon, second only to football in Spain and now overtaking tennis in player numbers there. “You don’t need months of practice to have a good game,” Simon explains. “It’s fun from the get-go, and because it’s doubles, it’s as much about the chat as the competition.” While some locals may have been dreaming of an
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