In an exclusive interview with The Padel Weekly, Alessandro Bennett, co-founder of Pura Padel, shared the vision behind their Los Angeles pop-up courts at Westfield Fashion Square. Driven by a passion for padel and a commitment to building inclusive communities, Alessandro emphasized how Pura Padel seeks to make the sport accessible for everyone, regardless of skill level. With its flagship Miami location set for 2025 and plans for nationwide expansion, Pura Padel is positioned to shape the future of American padel.
A Pop-Up With a Purpose: Pura Padel’s LA Debut
In an exciting move for padel in the U.S., Pura Padel recently launched its pop-up courts in Los Angeles at the iconic Westfield Fashion Square. Co-founder Alessandro Bennett shared how this venture is part of a broader vision to introduce the sport to new markets, with LA offering the perfect blend of a health-conscious and diverse audience. “Westfield took a chance with us,” Alessandro remarked, emphasizing the unique rooftop location, which offers stunning views and prime visibility next to a major freeway.
Building Communities Through Inclusivity
At its core, Pura Padel is about accessibility and inclusivity. Alessandro detailed their efforts to foster community by creating matchmaking systems for players, making it easy to connect even if they don’t have partners ready to play. “We’re really engaging with matchmaking,” Alessandro said, underlining how important it is to form a close-knit group around the sport. This ethos creates an environment where everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes, feels like they belong.
Expansion Plans: Pura Padel’s Vision for the Future
With Miami set to become Pura Padel’s flagship location by 2025, Alessandro is excited about the company’s expansion. “We have a plan for expansion, for sure,” he said, teasing future locations without revealing too much. His long-term vision includes opening multiple Pura Padel clubs in key cities, making the sport more accessible across the U.S. The ultimate goal is to have a padel club in every major city, providing consistent quality and a sense of home for players everywhere.
Elevating the Padel Experience with Top Coaching
One key to Pura Padel’s success is the quality of its coaching. Alessandro shared his admiration for Emanuel Enrique, a former top-100 professional player and the club’s head coach. Alessandro spoke about how Emmanuel’s coaching style goes beyond technical expertise, bringing vibrancy and a personal connection that resonates with the community. “He brings so much more to the club beyond his expertise,” Alessandro said, noting that Emmanuel’s presence has been integral to the welcoming atmosphere they’re building.
Looking Ahead: A Brand with Global Aspirations
As Pura Padel continues to expand, Alessandro’s dream is to create a recognizable brand that players can rely on anywhere in the world. His vision is simple: to make Pura Padel a “home away from home” for every player who walks through the doors. With upcoming plans to launch new locations and continue fostering community connections, it’s clear that Pura Padel is not just a club but a lifestyle.
