Leeds United players back Stuart Dallas at launch of new city padel centre | OneFootball

Leeds United players past and present backed Stuart Dallas at the launch of Optimum Padel, a new indoor centre at Cross Green Vale in the south east of the city. Leeds Live reports that the venue features eight courts, a social hub and an island bar with big sports screens.

The event followed a double training session for the squad on Wednesday, yet several still attended an exhibition match at eight pm. The centre first opened in March and offers coaching for all ages and abilities. Padel blends squash and tennis and is played on an enclosed glass court.

Ethan Ampadu, Wilfried Gnonto, Pascal Struijk, James Justin, Daniel James, Ilia Gruev, Illan Meslier and Sean Longstaff were among those present. Promotion heroes Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Luka Ayling and Barry Douglas also showed support.

Dallas, who retired in 2024, is one of the key investors and has partnered with Great Britain padel player Mike Tolman and LTA-qualified padel coach Andy Deeley. Managing director Adam Silverwood, operations director Jordan Vincent and marketing director Caroline Tolman are also involved.

Dallas said padel keeps his competitive edge alive and brings a strong social side, from early starts to post-game coffees. He said the café has been prioritised to encourage people to linger and enjoy the environment, and he applauded the backing from the Leeds community and team-mates.

Source: Leeds Live