New padel centre aims to 'improve city's health'

From left to right, Strike Padel founders Mohammed Rashad, Dr Mohammed Usman and Fahad Qureshi

Three healthcare professionals say they are setting up Bradford's first city centre padel club to help tackle health issues in the city.

Strike Padel is set to open at Beckside Business Park, Lidget Green, at the end of July, with an exact date due to be announced shortly.

Dentist Dr Mohammed Usman is establishing the five-court facility alongside pharmacists Fahad Qureshi and Mohammed Rashad after they noticed a high prevalence of heart conditions in the city.

The new centre, currently under construction, will also include a cafe, televisions showing professional padel matches and 13 parking spaces.

Strike Padel is set to be Bradford city centre's first dedicated padel centre

Padel - a blend of tennis and squash - was invented in Mexico in 1969 but in recent years has grown in popularity, with an estimated 30 million players across the world.

A Bradford Council meeting in January heard padel facilities already existed in nearby Ilkley and Rawdon, but this would be the first dedicated centre for the sport in the city of Bradford.

"I've learned that there's a really high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, in and amongst the population of Bradford," Dr Usman said.

"I think that introducing a sport that's going to encourage healthy activity, movement and to encourage people of all ages to play is something that will benefit the area and the people of Bradford."

Dr Usman said he and his co-founders had a "lightbulb moment" when they realised people could pick the sport up "really fast".

"Working as a team with four players, networking, speaking to people, moving about and just getting a little bit of exercise will increase healthy living," he said.

Construction is coming to an end in July

According to government data, the Bradford district has a higher than average rate of cardiovascular disease and is contributes to approximately 28% of all deaths in the area.

The Bradford district is also the fifth most income deprived local authority in the UK - and padel is not a cheap pastime.

"Membership schemes will allow court booking to be a lot cheaper for people that may struggle to afford it." Dr Usman said.

Prices will also vary throughout the day, with courts being at a lower cost at off-peak times.

Dr Usman said women-only nights would help those who may feel uncomfortable in some sporting settings to feel confident enough to play.

"It's about inclusivity," Dr Usman said.

"If someone wasn't comfortable playing racket sports in a mixed environment, we'll allow them to meet other women and play together."

'Health benefits'

Mr Qureshi added: "Bringing padel to Bradford has been a passion project that's taken over a year of meticulous planning.

"With 2025 marking Bradford's year as the City of Culture, we couldn't think of a better time to introduce this fast-growing and exciting sport to the community.

"It's been a real challenge, especially with no prior experience in construction, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding."

Mr Rashad added: "One of the main reasons we brought padel to Bradford is because of its wide-ranging health benefits.

"It's a low-impact sport that's accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, yet it provides a full-body workout.

"I truly love the game, it's fun, fast-paced, and social.

"I wanted to bring something new to Bradford and give the local community the chance to enjoy it too."

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