Teams from all over Europe came to Moira on 23 and 24 October for the Euro Padel League Belfast Cup. Two days of 40+ team padel, a brilliant atmosphere, and Team Belgique went home with the title.
The Euro Padel League is a senior team competition for players aged 40 and over, played as a tour of stops around Europe. Squads at the Belfast Cup included former professionals and current national team players from the European and World Championships, and you could see it from the first match. Patient points, quick hands at the net and very few free balls.
Belgique take the title
The final put Team Belgique up against Rocks Lane, the English side, who had the world class Marcelo Capitani in their line-up. Belgique put on a masterclass of top level padel and took the trophy. Congratulations to the whole squad.
Good for padel here
Being part of a competition like this is great for the game in Ireland. It gives club players from all over the island the chance to test themselves against top players from across Europe, and to see up close what the next level looks like. That kind of exposure helps padel grow, from club level right up.
The atmosphere was the other thing everyone talked about. Great padel on court, great energy around it, and the kind of good feeling you can't plan for. Every match, every handshake and every huddle showed what this sport is about.
Thank you to every player, team and supporter who made the trip. You made it a weekend to remember. We look forward to the next stop on the Euro Padel League tour, and the tournament video is coming soon on our Instagram.
Next up at Padel54
The NI Padel Challenger Series comes to Moira next. It's a Grade 3 event with no level cap, men's on Saturday 14 November and the first women's event of the series on Sunday 15 November. Entries close on 11 November. See the details.
