Agency appointed to help grow new sport

Marketing agency Purpose Media has been appointed to help promote a new sport, which has already proven a hit with sports stars like David Beckham.

We are Padel is a new sports brand being launched across the UK – and Purpose has been appointed to create the digital marketing strategy to grow audience participation and profile of the brand.

Padel is a mix between tennis and squash. The aim is to play the ball over the net, but unlike tennis, players can use the walls surrounding the court to return the ball to their opponents.

The sport is coming to a new centre in Derby at the former Powerleague centre, on Pride Park.

The Derby site has been appointed to host the 16th European Championship Qualifier Event between Friday 30 September and Sunday 2 October, which will attract teams from all over Europe.

The Great Britain teams that will take on the best in Europe at these championships were named recently.

A total of 17 male teams and 13 female teams will be competing in Derby, with British number one Tia Norton leading the British challenge.

Grace Golden, client services director at Purpose Media, said: “Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, enjoyed by David Beckham, Andy Murray and Lionel Messi.

“But there’s a chance many will not yet have heard of it and our aim is to change this by implementing co-ordinated social media, PR, and e-mail marketing strategies.”

Rosco Muller, country manager for ‘We are Padel’, said: “Our focus is on fun and community.

“We are committed to creating the best setting for players to enjoy their matches, events and celebrations.

“We are looking for more suitable venues across the UK and expect interest to grow very quickly with the support from the team at Purpose Media and other partners that are helping us to increase the profile of this exciting new sport.”

Purpose Media is inviting local businesses to attend a special event on Thursday 29 September so they can try the new sport and have a chance to learn more about how to play. For more information e-mail Grace at grace.golden@purposemedia.co.uk.

To learn more about Padel and see how it is played, watch this introductory video.