About Alma

Alma Padel’s story starts in Philadelphia, but its roots are deeply tied to curiosity, conviction, and a bold leap of faith. While studying at Wharton, the club’s founder, Abigail McCulloch, was introduced to padel through the Wharton Padel Club. The impact was immediate. What began as a new sporting interest quickly turned into a clear vision for something bigger.

That spark led her to apply to the VIPX accelerator, securing both funding and strategic support. From there, everything moved fast – she made the decision to step away from Wharton and focus fully on building Alma. Just six months later, Alma Padel opened its doors, turning a personal obsession into a fully realised club built around purpose, quality, and community.

What Makes Alma Unique

Alma is unapologetically player-first and community-built. Rather than rushing to scale or replicate existing club models, everything was designed with intention – from the coaching philosophy and programming to the look, feel, and flow of the space itself.

The club is meant to feel like a modern social club, not a warehouse of courts. That philosophy is closely tied to its identity as a female-founded business. Inclusivity, attention to detail, and emotional experience were not afterthoughts – they were foundational. Alma is designed around how people feel when they walk through the door, stay to socialise, and return week after week.

The Alma Experience

On court, players can expect professional-grade padel in a climate-controlled, beautifully designed environment that prioritises both performance and comfort.

Off court, Alma feels like a lifestyle destination. There’s a café and full-service bar, inviting lounges, well-considered locker rooms, wellness elements, and spaces designed for people to linger. Alma isn’t a place you rush in and out of – it’s a place to stay, connect, and make part of your regular routine.

Building Community

Community is the heartbeat of Alma. The club focuses on clear, structured pathways – beginner programmes, academies, leagues, and social events – so every player understands where they belong and what comes next.

From competitive training sessions to couples’ nights and themed socials, Alma brings together players of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The focus is on expanding the academy system, growing junior programmes, and introducing more crossover events that blend sport, social life, and wellness. The aim is simple but powerful – to create an environment where friendships form naturally through play.

Plans for This Year

For Alma, 2026 is about earning the right to grow. The focus remains on deepening what already makes the club special – its coaching standards, community culture, and design-led approach – while carefully exploring expansion opportunities.

What’s most exciting is the possibility of bringing Alma’s philosophy to new locations without losing its soul (p.s., “alma” is Spanish for “soul”). Continuing to introduce padel to people who have never picked up a racket before, and watching the sport grow through a community built with intention, remains at the heart of everything Alma does.

Wishing Alma and Abigail all the best!