Padel United Sports Club

New Jersey

USA

What took America so long? One glance at Padel United Sports Club in Creskill, New Jersey, and you might wonder why it took a pandemic - and the foresight of two forward-thinking Manhattan entrepreneurs - to redefine the American suburban experience, and put padel at the heart of it. Well, question no longer.

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A Statement of Intent for Monied Suburban America

With such a statement of intent for redefining the American monied suburban experience, could the choice of colour have been anything other than a hot orange? Such is the colour at the heart of Padel United Sports Club, at odds with the dated traditional golf-at-the-heart country club experience, that anything more muted would have seemed, well, far too muted.

And, so, enter Padel United Sports Club: a bold new chapter for the wellness experience (note, wellness first) and padel in the US, starting in leafy Cresskill, New Jersey, a suburb just 17 miles north-northwest of downtown Manhattan that, until now, was bereft of the modern amenities so craved by the post-pandemic middle and upper classes and well, bereft no longer.

Padel United is a modern reimagining of what a racquet club can be, far more than a building in which to play padel. This bold, bright statement of contemporary suburban America is about curating a whole lifestyle. And if the early signs are anything to go by, this is just the beginning. Cresskill may be launchpad number one, but the mission is far bigger: to take padel into suburbs across the country and flip the traditional model of what suburban sport looks and feels like.

With the American padel wave gathering speed, there’s no shortage of operators eager to throw up courts and hope demand follows. But Padel United feels different. The concept, developed by visionary co-founders Jon Krieger and Benji Markoff, is designed less as a transactional “pay and play” venue and more as a holistic social and wellness hub– and a kind statement of how former Manhattanites should be living their lives surrounded by more space, more grass and more quality of life.

The Padel United approach comes as little surprise, however, once you look at the team behind it. Krieger, who cut his teeth in hospitality, business-building (and exiting) and real estate, was a founding partner at the Aussie-inspired Bluestone Lane Coffee. His sharp eye for experience, design, and detail and his co-founder Markoff’s success with business building and existing, have resulted in their 20,000-square-foot space that you’ll find on side street Cresskill, today. Is it reason enough to make the move out of the city? You better bet it is, because there’s nothing like it for miles across the northeast– if anywhere in the United States at present.

The combination of business acumen and wellness focus gives Padel United an important context for your visit, because it’s the reason behind its distinctive DNA. And it shows the moment you step inside.

  • The club is anchored by six pungent orange panoramic courts, but the padel is just the start. What sets the club apart is its wellness ecosystem. Recovery and balance are built into the very fabric of the place, from infrared saunas and contrast therapy to treatment rooms offering physiotherapy, massage, and personal training. It’s a set-up that wouldn’t feel out of place in a high-end performance centre in Manhattan (in fact, let’s correct that, there’s nothing like this in Manhattan, for that matter).

    Then there are the event spaces. From private corporate outings to community tournaments, Padel United has positioned itself not only as a sporting venue but also as a stage for memorable gatherings. Whether it’s an open day for first-timers or a showcase weekend pulling in players from across the region, the message is clear: this isn’t just a club, it’s a hub for experiences if you’re tired of the concrete jungle.

    And tucked away at the heart of the building is the one space that, almost ironically, nods back to traditional suburban leisure culture: a sleek, wood-panelled country club-style bar befitting the previous century. Still to officially open at the time of writing, the Aguilas team is fortunate enough to have had a sneak peek, and we can tell you it will be worth the wait.

  • The first thing you notice on arrival isn’t the courts. It’s the colour. Bright orange branding runs through the club like an electric current, giving Padel United an energy that feels young, fresh, and impossible to miss. The design is deliberate: distinctive enough to stand out, warm enough to welcome.

    Inside, the vibe balances two worlds. On one hand, you’ve got the buzz of padel — fast rallies, animated coaching sessions, and open-play mixers that pull together players of all levels. On the other hand, there’s a sense of calm that comes from the wellness focus, the café corner, and the fact that this is very much a community space where people linger, not just dash in and out.

  • Speaking of lingering, the café is central to the club’s experience. Designed with the founders’ hospitality expertise at its core, the smoothie bar and cafe offer much more than a quick post-game drink. Healthy bites, wholesome juices, third-wave coffee (of course), and light meals make it a proper social pitstop. The café feels like the kind of place you’d meet even if you weren’t playing padel — somewhere you’d happily catch up with a friend or work for an hour.

  • Golden Glow Power Smoothie

  • Behind Padel United is a group of people who care as much about atmosphere as they do about padel. Founders Jonathan Krieger and Benji Markoff are the driving force, welcoming members with the same enthusiasm they had when first opening the doors. Around them, the operations staff quietly keep the club humming—organising leagues, socials, and seasonal events that ensure there’s always a reason to come back. The hospitality team adds warmth off-court, while the front desk greets every arrival like an old friend. It’s this personal touch, woven through every corner of the club, that sets Padel United Sports Club apart.

  • The six panoramic courts gleam with a professional finish, designed to host everything from casual matches to competitive play. Twenty-foot ceilings may be on the lower side for the lobbers amongst you, but good lighting, and ample viewing space give the venue a premium feel. More than simply a space to play, the courts act as a stage at the heart of the club— one that elevates every match into a performance, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player.

  • Coaching at Padel United carries its own personality, shaped by the distinctive styles of its pros. Jamie Levine is instantly recognisable for her energy, warmth and guiding principles of the three S’s on court: strategy, sweating, and smiling. Her sessions balance technical insight with the sheer joy of play. Juan Pacheco, the resident pro coach, takes a more tailored approach, carefully observing and refining each player’s game so improvements feel both personal and lasting. Then there’s Eric Pastor Calvo, whose ambition and drive bring a spark of competitive edge. Together, they form a coaching team where progress feels fun, accessible, and deeply individual.

  • The programming is where Padel United really starts to shine. Drop-in mixers make it easy for new players to get involved, while structured leagues give more competitive members something to aim for. Junior academies are already drawing in families, and the corporate packages — pairing team-building padel sessions with wellness elements — are proving a hit. Add in regular tournaments and seasonal events, and it’s clear that the courts are always alive with activity.

    If you’re keen to sharpen your skills, the club offers both private and group coaching with supportive instructors who make learning fun as well as effective. Themed clinics give players a chance to explore different techniques and tactics without pressure. For those who simply want to play and connect, social formats like “Coffee & Courts” mornings, women’s open play, and mixed-ability ladders mean there’s always a relaxed way to get on court. No matter your level, there’s an open door and a friendly rally waiting.

  • Padel United Sports Club swag bag