Story added: 25th September 2026

Norwich City Stars Help Launch Padel at The Nest

Guests, partners, funders and community participants gathered at The Nest to celebrate the opening of the new facilities, alongside special guests from Norwich City Football Club, including Head Coach Philippe Clement, defender Jack Stacey and midfielder Jacob Wright.

The event recognised the collective effort of partners, funders and supporters who helped bring the project to life, while showcasing the Foundation’s ambition to make sport accessible to everyone across Norfolk.

Hosted by broadcaster and Chairperson of the Foundation Jake Humphrey, the evening reflected on the journey of The Nest, which has grown from a vision to transform a disused site into a thriving community hub supporting tens of thousands of people every year. In 2025 alone, the Foundation engaged more than 56,000 participants and delivered over 850,000 hours of activity across a wide range of programmes. 

Speaking at the event, Jake highlighted how the new courts represent far more than a sporting development. 

“This launch marks the next chapter in The Nest’s journey but tonight isn’t just about opening new padel courts. It’s about the opportunities they create for people across our community,” said Jake Humphrey. 

“The Foundation is creating even more ways for people to get active, build confidence, make connections and feel part of something. The Nest has always been a place that brings people together and helps people realise their potential, and these courts are another exciting step forward in that journey.” 

Following a panel discussion, Philippe Clement, Jack Stacey and Jacob Wright joined representatives from the Greater Norwich Growth Board and Broadland District Council, alongside Jackie Thornton, Director of Strategy and Development at the Foundation, and Foundation participants for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The celebrations then moved on court, where Jake and the Norwich City trio took part in a ‘First Serve’ activation, playing alongside Foundation participants in a series of friendly padel rallies. Guests also had the opportunity to experience the sport for themselves and learn more about future opportunities available at The Nest. 

“Facilities like these are incredibly important for our community,” said Philippe Clement. 

“Padel is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, which is what makes it special. It brings people together, keeps people active and creates opportunities for everyone to take part.

“It’s fantastic to support the Foundation and the incredible work it does across Norfolk. They are making a real difference to people’s lives, and these new courts will help even more people improve their wellbeing and take part. Padel is a very social sport, and that’s why I think it will have such a positive impact here.” 

The courts were made possible thanks to funding from the Greater Norwich Growth Board and Broadland District Council, whose investment has helped expand The Nest’s facilities and create new opportunities for people across Norfolk to get active and connect through sport.

The project was delivered with the support of a number of construction and delivery partners, including Ovamill, RUA, Chaplin Farrant, Sharp, Orange Fox, CIM, Replay and Fordingbridge, whose expertise helped bring the vision for the new courts to life. Additional support was provided by partners including Joma, Ovamill and Green Farm Coffee, helping ensure the facility is ready to welcome players of all ages and abilities.

“Today is a proud milestone for The Nest and the wider community. These courts simply would not have been possible without the support, expertise and commitment of our funding partners and construction team,” said Jackie Thornton, Director of Strategy and Development at the Foundation.

“From the organisations that shared our vision and invested in the project, to the partners who helped bring it to life on site, everyone has played a vital role in creating a facility that will benefit people across Norfolk for years to come.” 

“We are incredibly grateful for their support and excited to see the impact these courts will have as more people discover and enjoy padel.”

Accessibility has been central to the project, with a strong focus on creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved. Thanks to generous support from the Paul Bassham Trust, the Foundation has been able to purchase specialist sports wheelchairs, helping to make padel accessible to even more people across the community.

Alongside wheelchair padel, the new courts will host coaching programmes, social play, community activities and corporate events, creating a welcoming environment for people to enjoy one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.

To further broaden participation, the Foundation has also just launched Pad-All, a free, fully inclusive 10-week padel taster programme supported by the Premier League and PFA Players’ Fund. Designed for people of all ages and abilities, the programme includes dedicated sessions for juniors, adults, over-55s and participants with disabilities. Supported by current and former players, Pad-All aims to build confidence, improve wellbeing and provide a pathway into regular play at The Nest. 

The official launch marks the beginning of an exciting future for padel at The Nest, creating new ways for people across Norfolk to get active, connect with others and be part of a thriving community.

Click here to find out more about Padel at The Nest or book a court