Play Padel: Jessica Ennis-Hill becomes co-owner of Sheffield padel business after becoming 'obsessed'

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has become a shareholder and co-owner of Play Padel Group.

The Olympic gold medallist from Sheffield discovered the Sheffield club independently and fell in love with the game, say Play Padel.

The former heptahlete then approached the founders, and asked how to become part of their operation.

Jess said: “When I played padel for the first time, funnily enough it was at Play Padel, I was absolutely obsessed with it,

“It’s a sport for everyone - all ages, all abilities - and that’s exactly what this is about.

“It’s a Sheffield business with real heart and big ambitions, and I’m proud to be part of the journey.”

She joins fellow Sheffield sporting icon and England cricketer Joe Root, who was already a co-owner.

Alex Fleming, Founder and CEO of Play Padel Group said: “Having Jess join us is a genuinely proud moment.

“What makes it so special is that she came to us. She found the club, fell for the game, and wanted to be part of it.

“There was no deal on the table, just a shared belief in what we’re building.

“To have two of Sheffield’s finest in Jess and Joe backing a business that’s proudly made in this city means the world, and it tells you everything about the community we’re trying to create.”

Play Padel opened its first venue at Abbeydale in Sheffield in March 2025, as the first dedicated indoor padel club in South Yorkshire.

It has since built a community of thousands of registered players.

The business is set to open its second venue at Meadowhall this autumn.

Play Padel said the new venue will be even bigger, and feature eight indoor courts.

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