Andy McMillan knows a thing or two about sporting success – after all, he was in the York City team which destroyed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford 30 years ago.
Long since retired from football glory, Andy has now turned to the two fastest growing sports in the world – padel and pickleball.
And he’s bringing them to Malton.
Casa Del Padel will be launched on Saturday (31 May) at Malton Enterprise Park with more York City legends expected to be in attendance.
On launch day it will be open to the public from noon to 4pm with music, food and drinks.
Andy and his family have teamed up with the developers of the enterprise park Sean and Sue Harrison to create Casa Del Padel.
Andy said: “There is no doubt that padel, together with its sister sport pickleball, is the fastest growing sport in the world.
“They are unstoppable. There is clearly a pent-up demand for courts in Malton and North Yorkshire, and we are confident we have created a great venue.”
For the uninitiated, padel and pickleball are both racquet sports, but padel is played on an enclosed court with walls, while pickleball is played on an open court, with padel using a tennis-like ball and paddles and pickleball using a plastic perforated ball and paddles.
“It is astonishing how padel has taken off, with celebrity enthusiasts including the Prince of Wales, England cricketing superstar Joe Root, David Beckham and actor Hugh Grant,” Andy said.
“It is an incredibly easy, social and addictive game and it’s not surprising people get hooked on it so quickly. And, of course, it’s very good for your health.”
Sean Harrison said: “We are very proud of what we have already achieved at our business park, creating hundreds of new and sustainable jobs.
“The new padel and pickleball venture, together with our brand-new café the Blu Fig, which is already getting rave reviews, is taking our park to a completely new level.”