- NatWest injects £225,000 to launch indoor padel club
- Llantrisant’s new venue to create jobs and open doors for Welsh sport
- NatWest’s support enables accessible, barrier-free sporting facilities in the local community
Llantrisant is set to become a hotspot for the fast-growing sport of padel as Unbound Padel Ltd opens its doors with help from a £225,000 funding package from NatWest.
The new club, located in Llantrisant Business Park, will become the new home for padel enthusiasts and newcomers in the area. The investment has enabled the transformation of industrial units into professionally designed, premium indoor padel courts, a welcoming café, and accessible facilities, marking a significant step forward for inclusive sport in South Wales.
Since opening, Unbound Padel Club has brought five new jobs to Llantrisant and is tackling Wales’ lack of quality padel venues head-on. The club’s courts are open for casual games, coaching, competitions and corporate events, but what sets it apart is its commitment to accessibility. Wheelchair-friendly courts, inclusive facilities and deaf-aware staff trained in basic British Sign Language mean that everyone is welcome - breaking down barriers and making padel a sport for all.
NatWest’s backing has been a game-changer for Unbound, breaking through the hurdles that often stall new ventures. Unlike most lenders, NatWest provided a secured loan term of 20 years, giving Unbound the breathing space it needed to invest in accessible facilities and launch its club.
The Llantrisant based start-up is putting the local community front and centre of its plans, working with local businesses and creating a space that welcomes all. By actively supporting under-represented groups and building community ties - from its inclusive café to its accessible courts - the club is set to make a real social and economic impact in South Wales. With ambitious plans to grow across Wales and a projected turnover of £2.32 million over five years, Unbound is looking beyond sport, aiming to boost wellbeing and opportunity across Wales.
Adrian Swinbourne, spokesperson for Unbound Padel Ltd, said:
“Launching Unbound has been a journey, and NatWest’s support has been fundamental to making our vision a reality. We wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome and able to participate, and this funding has allowed us to build something truly special for South Wales. Our aim is to grow a Welsh brand that champions inclusivity and community, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
Lauren Watson, Relationship Manager at NatWest, commented:
“Unbound Padel Ltd’s commitment to inclusivity and community is inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to support their vision from concept to launch. By providing a secured loan over 20 years and offering tailored support through Tyl, Mentor, and Cushon, NatWest has helped Unbound overcome start-up challenges and deliver a facility that will benefit the area for years to come.”
Alongside financial backing, Unbound has benefited from its partnership with NatWest by implementing Tyl, a card payment technology that enables quick and secure transactions through card terminals. Supported by EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) systems, this setup makes it easier for customers to pay and helps the business efficiently track sales.
Unbound has also made use of NatWest’s Mentor and Cushon products. Mentor provides expert guidance on employment law and HR matters, ensuring the business remains compliant, while Cushon offers pension solutions to help staff save for their future.
By using Tyl, Unbound can meet the expectations of today’s cashless society. Mentor ensures proper employment practices are followed, and Cushon supports the team’s long-term financial wellbeing.
NatWest Group is the biggest bank for businesses in Great Britain and is committed to championing potential, breaking down barriers, and building financial confidence for people, families, and businesses across the UK and Ireland. Supporting start-ups like Unbound Padel Ltd demonstrates NatWest’s dedication to fostering enterprise and community wellbeing, especially in regions where sporting infrastructure is limited.
