Wake Smith Solicitors’ collaborative work with four organisations to help bring two new state of the art Play Padel facilities to Sheffield has been shortlisted in the Sheffield Business Awards.
The Sheffield law firm’s corporate and commercial property teams provided legal advice to Play Padel Group Ltd on its business start up and expansion in Sheffield. Alongside corporate finance work by FW Capital and Castle Square Corporate Finance and lending support from Mercia is nominated for The Collaboration Excellence Award at this year’s awards.
Wake Smith Solicitors’ Tom Haywood advised on the corporate legal work while Ben Spencer completed the commercial property work for Play Padel Group Ltd on its venues at Abbeydale Sports Club and Meadowhall.
The award celebrates successful partnerships between two or more organisations resulting in a positive impact on the local region and acknowledging the importance of collaboration in achieving common goals, creating a better community for all, and evidencing excellence in team collaboration while achieving the desired outcome.
Having already opened the Play Padel Sheffield facility at Abbeydale Sports Club last year, Play Padel Group received planning approval in March 2026 for its second indoor base, Play Padel Meadowhall, which is expected to open in October this year.
The project marked an important milestone in the company’s expansion strategy and will become a flagship venue and one of the largest dedicated indoor padel venues in South Yorkshire, helping bring the world’s fastest-growing sport to thousands of new players across Sheffield and the wider region.
Play Padel Sheffield has quickly established itself as one of the busiest padel venues in the north of England and with demand for courts and coaching continuing to grow, the Meadowhall development provides additional capacity while bringing padel to a new part of the city.
It will feature premium sporting and social facilities designed to serve both regular players and newcomers to the sport and will include 8 state-of-the-art indoor padel courts; a licensed bar and speciality coffee bar; premium changing and shower facilities; a business lounge and flexible workspace; warm-up gym area and a large open-plan social and events space
The club is designed to be more than just a sports facility. Play Padel Meadowhall will provide a vibrant destination where people can play, train, socialise and connect around one of the most exciting sports in the world.
Wake Smith’s Tom Haywood said: “The Sheffield openings represent a significant moment for Play Padel Group Ltd and the growth of padel in the region.
“The venues have not only introduced Padel to Sheffield but attracted even more people to the sport as it continues to grow across the UK. The two venues form part of a broader national rollout for Play Padel Group as the company develops a network of indoor padel clubs across the UK. Play Padel Group aims to make the sport accessible to players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds through high-quality indoor clubs designed for year-round play.
“Collaboration is a key factor in making deals happen and our close work with Mercia, FW Capital and Castle Square Corporate Finance shows how teamwork really can make projects happen.”
Backed by a strong ownership group including England cricketer Joe Root and Olympian Jess Ennis-Hill, Play Padel Group is focused on transforming vacant buildings and underused spaces into vibrant sporting destinations to bring communities together.
Winners of the 17 awards, now in its 25th year, will be announced at the black tie ceremony at The Octagon Centre on October 15. The event shines a spotlight on the bold innovators, passionate changemakers and inspiring leaders who continue to shape Sheffield’s vibrant business landscape.
Does your business want to expand and need legal advice? Contact Wake Smith’s company commercial team online here or call us on 0114 266 6660 to see how we can help you.