Sports facilities across the south west could benefit from major investment to boost grassroots football and fast‑growing padel.
Small-sided football and padel operator Powerleague has secured £22.5 million in funding from Barclays to develop new padel courts, upgrade existing football pitches, and improve off-pitch amenities nationwide, including at south west venues such as Bournemouth.
Michael Evans, chief financial officer of Powerleague Fives Limited, said: “We have been working with Barclays – and specifically its hospitality and leisure team – for the past four years.
“They have been incredibly supportive of the business’s growth plans as Powerleague has transformed from a company emerging from a CVA into a business now facilitating more than 150,000 games every week.
Powerleague Fives Limited has secured a £22.5m refinancing package from Barclays to support the expansion of its rapidly growing padel offering and continued investment in football facilities across the UK, including sites across the South West. (Image: Barclays)
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“This investment will enable us to continue expanding access to grassroots sport, encouraging greater participation and supporting not only the physical but also the mental wellbeing of our customers.”
The funding will help Powerleague modernise its network of community venues and expand access to fast‑growing sports like padel.
Duncan Irvine, relationship director at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “Powerleague plays a real role in local sport across the south west – giving people easy, affordable places to play grassroots football and try fast‑growing sports like padel.
“This financing will support investment in community sites so more people can access modern, well‑maintained facilities close to home.
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