ISLAND PADEL is partnering with Rathbones to mark the reopening of its St Clement facility this Saturday with a donation to the Bailiff’s Fund for those affected by Storm Ciarán.
It has been agreed that international wealth managers Rathbones will cover the costs of full court usage between Monday 15 to Thursday 18 January to support Island Padel at the reopening and any money received from player bookings by Island Padel between these days will be gifted to the fund to support community relief efforts.
The St Clement-based facility is currently in the process of a complete rebuild after all five courts were destroyed on 2 November 2023.
Officials have been working with local demolition specialists and court installers from Spain, in a bid to reopen safely and as quickly as possible.
Scott Clayton, Island Padel co-founder, said: “Obviously the storm was devastating for us as a business, but it was devastating for the whole of the Island and Rathbones and ourselves really want to help some of the people who were affected the most.
“We are really happy to be nearing the stage where we’re back up and running on three outdoor courts, before our facility can be completed in full in a few months, and we’re aiming to use those four days in January to raise some extra money for the Bailiff’s Fund.”
More than 3,000 people have used the facility since Island Padel launched in June 2022, including 2,000 children having a six-week free padel programme through the “Padel For All’ schools programme in which Rathbones are the primary sponsor.
Clayton added: “Padel is an amazing sport but the common message from people over the last few months is that they are missing that community and social aspect that came from playing.
“We have worked tirelessly since November to get it back to where it was as soon as possible.
“Rathbones have been our biggest supporters from the get-go and we cannot thank them enough.
“Our ethos and vision is completely aligned when it comes to health, wellbeing and the community, so we hope this contribution to those affected by the events of the storm can help in a small way.”
Phil Bain, director of Rathbones Jersey, said: “We have been privileged supporters of Island Padel from the beginning and are pleased to be part of the wonderful community they have built.
“After the destruction of the padel courts by Storm Ciarán, and the outpouring of support for Island Padel and the wider community, we wanted to find a way to help both.”
