in association with PADEL BOOK PARTNERS
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Published by the team at SportsNation, in collaboration with The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and SAPCA (the Sports And Play Construction Association), this handbook aims to be your guide to navigating the exciting and dynamic world of padel.
Since first being played in Mexico in the late 1960s, padel had been relatively little known, or played, in the UK - until now. Easy to understand and pick up, the sport is rapidly growing both here in the UK and a number of countries across the globe. There are now even plans to try and get the sport included in the 2032 Olympics.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to diversify, an established operator expanding your business or a passionate player eager to bring this exhilarating sport to your community, this resource aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary for success.
We’ve worked hard to curate an extensive mix of research, technical guidance, case studies, market information and opinion pieces to help you make informed decisions about your padel operations. The technical guidance in this book includes the updated SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts, produced in partnership with Padel’s governing body, The LTA. The code outlines the industry standards for designing and building padel courts and is an essential reference for anyone looking to develop padel facilities.
Supported by a select range of industry partners, including lead sponsors Fordingbridge, The Padel Book will help you make informed strategic decisions about your business.
Let’s build thriving padel communities together!
BOOK PARTNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH John Challinor, Publisher john@nationmedia.uk
010 Playtomic’s 2024
Global Padel Report
PwC and Playtomic report shows that the sport is growing strong on a global level
016 Unlocking padel’s potential
Why padel is set to claim a long-term role in the UK’s physical activity and wellbeing sector
020 Padel – ready for the next level
The LTA’s head of padel, Tom Murray, reflects on the growth of padel and the sport’s future
026 The LTA publishes padel strategy
The new strategy outlines a vision to “open padel up” to more people across the country
028 Shaping the future of padel
A detailed look into how the LTA aims to “build, accelerate and scale” the sport
032 Views from the industry
Leading operators and suppliers offer their views and insight into the future of padel
042 Growing nationwide but keeping it local
Why has the LTA adopted a “local first” approach to ensure padel grows in a sustainable way?
046 The power of competition
Cultivating an engaged network of players is key to operating a successful padel facility
052 Connecting the global racquet sports community
Racquet Trend 2025 will see professionals from three sports convene under one roof
054 From concept to court
What are the planning considerations for padel court designs?
056 Perfect placement
Why is selecting the right location for a padel facility project so important?
058 Padel – the growing phenomenon
How can padel ensure it becomes a permanent fixture in the UK’s sporting ecosystem?
062 Building greener
Creating sustainable padel facilities can give operators an “eco-friendly advantage”
064 Lighting the future
The choice of lighting solution can have a huge impact on the success of a padel facility
066 Circular economy
How a recycling innovation could prevent millions of tennis balls ending up in landfill each year
068 Developing coaching pathways
The plans to ensure there are enough quality coaches to cater for a fast-growing sport
070 How digital tech can power padel’s growth
A look at how digital solutions can help recruit and retain the best talent
071 The future of workforce management
Workforce development plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of clubs and academies
construction
As padel operators rush to build new facilities, the quality of build should never be compromised
074 Preserving courts
Maintaining a padel court is crucial for ensuring its performance and longevity
079 Building it up
A look at some of the leading UK operators and their most recent facility projects
111 Leading industry suppliers
132
The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts
Setting out the industry standards for padel court design and construction
Playtomic, a padel community and booking platform, partnered with Strategy&, the strategy consulting team at PwC, to publish a wide-ranging consumer report on padel in 2024. The report shows that the sport is growing strong at a global level
The Playtomic Global Padel Report 2024, compiled in partnership by PwC’s business strategy consulting arm, Strategy&, charted the state of padel, providing a forecast of the industry’s continued growth. Based on an analysis of club, player and demographic data from around the world, the report reveals a surge in padel club growth, with a 27% global increase in the number of clubs in 2023 (with more than 2,500 new clubs being established) – compared to the year before.
The number of courts also saw an increase of 17% in 2023, with 5,800 new courts being built worldwide. If the growth rate – equivalent to 111 courts being built every week – remains at its current levels, it is estimated that there will be more than 70,000 padel courts worldwide by 2026.
The increases in clubs and courts have fuelled a surge in apparel and equipment sales too, with the number of padel rackets sold surpassing 6 million units in 2023.
While the global growth of padel has been largely driven by southern and northern Europe, the Playtomic report shows that, in 2023, regions outside Europe began gaining importance too.
US is a prime growth area for padel court construction, while the Middle East, some areas of Africa and southern Asia also started to see significant growth in 2023-24. As a result, in 2023, court manufacturers began focusing their
commercial efforts on the US in particular. Europe, however, is still the fastest growing market, with France leading in overall court growth, followed by neighbouring regions. The UK stands out as one of the fastest growing regions during 2023, with estimates of the number of new courts being built ranging upwards from 250.
Spain and Italy are still the global leaders when it comes to the number of padel courts.
As of January 2024, the total number of courts in Spain was estimated at 16,126, followed by Italy (8,347), Sweden (4,000), France (2,179), Belgium (1,763) and the Netherlands (1,733).
The UK, with around 500 courts, trails Nordic countries with much smaller populations, such as Denmark (1,300) and Finland (1,100).
“France took the lead in court expansion in 2023 due to being a relatively more mature market,” the report reads. “The UK is steadily progressing along the curve, and we anticipate a potential acceleration in the latter half of 2024 or the beginning of 2025. Germany’s development may be temporarily hindered by regulatory requirements.”
The report also outlines the main drivers for growth. While these vary slightly from region to region, there are two that the report identifies as the “single biggest factors” boosting padel’s growth –technology and professionalisation of the sport.
At the grassroots and community level in particular, tech is a huge factor, as it offers tools to help spread padel content (including marketing) and eases the organisation of court bookings leagues and tournaments.
There is also no doubt that private funding of padel businesses is another big driver in new courts and facilities being built. The ongoing investment from high-net-worth-individuals and investment funds – who have recognised the potential of the sector – is accelerating the expansion of the sport globally.
The game is also growing at the elite level, with 17 countries now participating in the largest professional padel competition, Premier Padel – the official global padel tour, governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and backed by the Professional Padel Association (PPA) and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).
Professionalisation
Professional tournaments, leagues, conferences, and other events are attracting the attention of both the media and the general public
Technology
Technology is constantly offering new tools to help spread padel content and new apps to ease the organization of matches, leagues, and tournaments
Investment
Ongoing investment from high-net-worthindividuals and investment funds is accelerating the expansion of the sport globally
Social component
Padel is not just a sport, but also a social/ recreational activity you can enjoy with friends or use to meet new people
Accessibility
Unlike many other sports, most people can play regardless of their physical shape or age, and without a lot of specialized equipment or previous experience
Manchester is the city with the highest court occupancy rate, almost doubling the number of hours per court per day when compared to London
Padel has grown rapidly across the UK – especially in England – and the report predicts that there are no signs that the market will be cooling down any time soon. According to the report, the number of amateur players now tops 120,000 and there are more than 170 publicly accessible padel venues.
More than 200 courts were built across the UK in 2023, with the top five regions for the number of developments being London, Surrey, Essex, West Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.
When it comes to participation, the Playtomic report shows that the number of regular players is growing steadily across the UK, with Manchester the region with the highest court occupancy (with almost double the number of hours per court, per day, when compared to London). The capital still has the most bookings, however, mainly due to its huge population. Across London, there are more than 250,000 court bookings per year, with some neighbouring regions (such as Surrey) benefiting from taking on part of the unmet demand spilling over from London.
Scotland, despite not yet boasting a large number of courts, is beginning to show growth in both interest towards and participation in padel, especially in two regions – Glasgow and Midlothian.
region
Note(s): Pure clubs are those in which there are only facilities to play padel and no other sport can be practiced
Source(s): Local federations, Playtomic, Strategy& analysis
Developing during 2023
Snapshot January 2023
Snapshot January 2024
The Playtomic report outlines – from a data point of view – some of the directions of travel that the UK padel market is likely to take over the next 12 months. As well as showing growth in all regions – both in the number of regular players and facilities – it also predicts that the growth is likely to continue for some time.
Playtomic Co-Founder, Pablo Carro, said: “Our Global Padel Report has truly served as the Bible for our rapidly-growing industry. Clubs, coaches, players, brands, investors, land owners, court builders, players and the media have all turned to our report in their search for answers on the worldwide padel industry, and in a bid to comprehend the direction of travel for the future of the world’s fastest-growing sport.
“The 2024 Report does not disappoint. By highlighting the growth of the sport across emerging markets such as the United States, UK, France, Germany and South Africa, alongside traditional padel nations, such as Spain or Italy, the Playtomic Global Padel Report paints the picture of a sport whose time on the world stage has now well and truly arrived.
“Data reveals a growing trend among players: a willingness to travel considerable distances to play at numerous different venues both while on vacation and at home. The difficulty of locating available courts, finding other players (of similar skill levels), and coordinating matches, however, pose significant challenges in many booming padel countries.”
Elena Martín, Partner at Strategy&, added: “Although the levels of development and participation vary widely between different nations, padel clearly established itself as a steadily expanding global sport in 2023.
“Padel’s success is down to the fact that it has a bit of everything. It gives players the opportunity to both spend time with old friends and meet new people – whether to sharpen skills, to get exercise, compete fiercely on the court or socialise off it, all in an incredibly fun and dynamic environment that offers something for everybody.
“We believe this report underscores the sport’s remarkable potential and demonstrates that collaboration across the global padel landscape will ensure its continued success.”
Estimated growth trajectory of the Big Three
Projected max no of courts in Germany
Projected max no of courts in France
Projected max no of courts in UK
NUMBER OF COURTS
Source(s): Strategy& analysis
Europe’s ‘big three’ are starting to take o
France took the lead in court expansion in 2023 due to being a relatively more mature market
The UK is steadily progressing along the curve, and we anticipate a potential acceleration in the latter half of 2024 or the beginning of 2025 Germany's development may be temporarily hindered by regulatory requirements
1 Padel is increasingly perceived as both a social & competitive activity …
Increasingly positive sentiment about padel suggest themarket still has great potential
2 … with players wanting to play more despite the challenge of finding courts …
3 … resulting in a booming community of multi-club players
Padel players highly value both the exercise the sport o ers and its very social nature
Reasons to start playing padel Craving to engage in more activities after playing padel
Oxygen Consulting has published the UK Padel Report, which unveils why padel is set to claim a long-term role in the UK’s physical activity and wellbeing sector. Oxygen Consulting founder, Ray Algar, o ers his insight into the report’s findings
Oxygen Consulting is known for providing insight and research to the global fitness and wellbeing industry. Where does your interest in padel stem from?
My professional focus is on the sports and exercise economy, working at the intersection of technology, societal trends, and social impact to improve public health and wellbeing. During 2023, I noticed that padel was gaining significant player and investment momentum in the UK, so I wanted to understand why it resonated.
As a lifelong racket sports player, I was naturally drawn to this hybrid racquet sport. The Playtomic Global Report – produced by Deloitte and now strategy& (PwC) – does an excellent job of reviewing the global state of padel. Still, I saw the need for a report investigating UK padel that is written in a way that provides cultural context and explores how it will integrate into a broader sporting landscape.
Why do you believe UK padel is now growing so fast?
I want to understand why padel has gained so much momentum in the UK. It would be easy to explain this as a post-COVID-19 pandemic phenomenon, but there was a 56% increase in padel courts in the year before the pandemic. The number of courts doubled to around 250 the year after we came out of national lockdown, though some of this growth can be attributed to delayed construction during the pandemic.
Padel is driven by a mix of behavioural, economic, and technological factors, making it a dynamic and fast-growing sport in the UK
Following lockdowns ending, people were excited to return to exercise and the fact that padel is a doubles social sport and can be played outdoors made it a good substitute for indoor options. The LTA’s loan scheme, providing interest-free finance of up to 60% for padel projects, is helping tennis and other not-for-profit sports organisations to meet growing padel player demand. According to the last LTA press announcement, £6 million has been invested into 75 new padel courts, helping clubs and organisations to diversify and develop their playing audience. Finally, inspiration from European markets like Sweden and Spain raised awareness and confidence among investors that padel has a compelling business model with strong player demand. We also now have critical enabling technologies that help people find suitable opponents, organise matches and book courts. Ultimately, we are witnessing a complex mix of behavioural, economic, and technological drivers.
You conducted a detailed player survey for the report. What were the insights from that? I want to understand why people play padel and what motivates them to engage with the sport. To do this, I adapted the Motives for Physical Activity Measure, a validated research tool that, through 30 questions, identifies five key motives that drive individuals to engage in padel.
These motivations are enjoyment, fitness, competence, social and physical appearance. Selecting strong agreement with the statement: “Because I want to obtain new skills in padel” tells us that competence drives participation, whereas “Because playing padel helps me meet new people” falls on the social dimension. My findings reveal that the primary motivation was enjoyment, followed by competence or skill development and fitness — all three being intrinsic reasons. These intrinsic motivations rather than external rewards were the same for both men and women.
These motivations, consistent across both men and women, are significant because intrinsic rewards— such as joy and personal growth — are more likely to sustain long-term participation than exercise options perceived as chores. Furthermore, understanding switching behaviours is crucial. I explore this extensively in the report because it is important to determine whether padel is substituting or complementing other activities, such as tennis and gym memberships.
Your research also confirmed, once and for all, when padel first arrived in the UK?
Although padel has gained significant interest recently, my research uncovered that the first public padel court in the UK was installed in 1998 at Rye Lawn Tennis Club in East Sussex, a club founded more than 100 years ago. I was looking at the planning application, which was approved in just 58 days. Interestingly, this court was constructed using concrete with slightly different dimensions for the return and side walls, reflecting the original specifications used when the sport first emerged in Mexico. It is fascinating to consider that padel arrived in the UK more than 26
To ensure sustainable growth, stakeholders must balance expanding access to courts with positioning padel as an inclusive and a ordable sport
Understanding motivations like enjoyment, competence and fitness is key to sustaining long-term participation in padel
years ago, which will surprise some readers who view it as a more recent post-pandemic phenomenon.
What are the key challenges holding back padel’s growth, and how can stakeholders address them?
Padel is witnessing significant investor activity, drawing diverse individuals into the sport with varied motivations. This mirrored the explosion in low-cost gyms around 2010 when outside sector investors recognised an opportunity to monetise demand for affordable, 24-hour fitness. This produced mixed results, with high-profile failures and well-known successes such as The Gym Group and PureGym.
In Padel, I see a similar narrative unfolding. Some opportunist investors view padel as a short-term monetising opportunity, while others adopt a longerterm perspective focused on inclusivity, affordability and social impact. I believe it matters that we measure how diverse and representative the padel audience is rather than just paying attention to court occupancy. Alongside the pressing issue of court shortages, a challenge lies in how padel is positioned and communicated. It is sometimes framed as an exclusive, premium experience with high membership fees, which risks alienating community partners and potential players who may feel intimidated. To ensure sustainable growth, stakeholders must strike a balance by expanding access to courts while positioning padel as an inclusive and affordable inter-generational sport.
What can readers learn from the report and why is it essential for the growth of padel in the UK?
Through my research, I take a reflective and objective view of how padel is evolving and its potential role in supporting physical activity and public health objectives in the UK. I feel responsible when signalling an opportunity to potential investors, as these decisions can be life-changing commitments. They should only be undertaken after rigorous due diligence and with the benefit of independent research. I hope my report clarifies how this sport will grow to solidify its place as an integral and long-term part of the UK sporting landscape. It aims to guide stakeholders in driving padel’s responsible and sustainable growth.
a Fast-Emerging Racket Sport
Strategic
Researched and written by Ray Algar. Publishing February 2025
Ray Algar, Managing Director, Oxygen Consulting, UK
Introduced to the UK 26 years ago, why is padel gaining momentum now?
The UK Padel Report is written for senior stakeholders and represents the country’s first comprehensive investigation into the growth of padel across the nation.
This landmark report explores
● The strategic drivers shaping UK padel
● A detailed audit of all UK padel courts, including a future forecast
● Analysis of the UK’s top 10 operators
● Exclusive new player research exploring why people are choosing this exciting sport
● Expert interviews with stakeholders shaping the sport’s future
No advertising. Just actionable insight.
Exclusive sponsorship opportunity Contact Ray Algar to secure the sole sponsorship: ray@oxygen-consulting.co.uk www.oxygen-consulting.co.uk
The LTA’s head of padel, Tom Murray, reflects on the growth of padel, the national governing body’s new strategy and the exciting plans for the future
Last year was a significant period for the development of padel in Britain – and our collective ambition to open the sport up to more people and places across the country. From increasing court facilities, participation growth and the successes of British players on the international stage to the announcement of a new strategy for 2024-2029 – this year has seen several important developments that will help shape the game for the future. Looking back on the year, we have achieved a lot. Looking ahead, it is clear that we have an exciting road ahead for padel.
record numbers of competitions being held all year around, more coaches being developed through our coaching pathway and we’ve seen improvements across the professional game as well. In 2024 alone we had five players win international tournaments, two players competing on the Premier Padel Tour for the first time (the highest level of the sport), seven players inside the FIP top 200 and men’s and women’s teams competing at the European Championships.
This is a pivotal moment for padel. We’re coming out of the Padel Development Plan, which was our initial four-year plan from 2020-23 for padel growth and integration, and I’m proud that we’ve achieved the milestones we set out.
Through investment, support and the ongoing collaboration with the padel community, we saw over that period of time the number of padel courts in Britain grow from 50 to 350, while annual participation rose from 6,000 to 129,000 by the end of 2023. This has only gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months - we’re on track for record-breaking growth in infrastructure to over 700 courts and participation only continues to soar to 200,000. Padel continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in the country with more and more venues reporting all-time highs in people playing on their courts, which has just been amazing to see. We have
It’s great to take stock of how far we’ve come and recognise those achievements – especially considering some of the obstacles we’ve had to navigate, including a global pandemic and cost of living crisis – but we know there is still lots to do to achieve our wider goals…
This year we’ve turned our attention to the next phase of padel’s development – announcing our new padel strategy in Manchester this September. The Padel Opened Up strategy lays out our ambition to make padel more accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring for people across Britain. We’ve taken a lot of time to listen to the padel community and the learnings have been reflected in our ongoing plans. This assures we’re prioritising areas that the LTA is best placed to drive forward. These include continued investment in infrastructure and increasing the visibility of the sport. We also want to keep expanding and diversifying the coaching workforce, as well as ensure we are building a sustainable performance pathway.
The LTA strategy spans six years, but the NGB has set key objectives that It wants to achieve within the next three years (from 2024-2026)
● Grow the visibility of padel to increase awareness from 20% to 40% of the population, interest in playing from 7.5% to 15% and boost participation
● Increase the number of annual padel players from 129,000 to 400,000, and monthly players from 65,000 to 200,000.
● Increase the number of padel courts from 350 to 1,000
● Grow the padel coach and activator workforce from 40 to 700
● Enable 10 players to break into the top 200 and 2 players into the top 100 and inspire the padel audience
So, how are we going to deliver the strategy? Going forward, we want to bridge the gap between the LTA and the private sector, taking a more collaborative approach with more flexible ways of working.
Having a thriving private sector is a big positive and behind-the-scenes we’ve been doing a lot of work to nurture those relationships and set ourselves up for long-term success. It’s important for us to clarify our role in growing the sport and to help the community better understand how the governing body is here to support.
We’ve also worked hard to make sure that going into this next phase, padel is recognised not only by the likes of Sport England, but also with relevant authorities – highlighting the opportunities, both nationally and locally, padel creates for different communities and encouraging their support around facilities projects.
The Padel Opened Up strategy lays out our ambition to make padel more accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring for people across Britain
With investment and collaboration, padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to 350, and participation rose from 6,000 to 129,000 by 2023
For example, we recently collaborated with Manchester City Council and Manchester Active, to produce a local padel plan for the city – the first of its kind in Great Britain. This will support the development of local facilities, support for clubs and schools in the area, and build greater awareness and appetite for the sport in Manchester.
We are rolling out this approach to other local authorities, which will help support the sustainable growth of padel facilities across the country.
We’ve recruited a Padel Manager (Steve Yeardley) as we’re now at that point where infrastructure is massive, it’s about to scale now. Steve has joined from Tennis Wales, where he was Coaching and Volunteer Manager and he brings extensive experience in coaching padel and the private padel sector, having previously served as Head Coach for Padel4all.
A large part of his role will be project managing key areas of the strategy, supported by the wider LTA colleague base, to ensure that we meet those initial targets for 2026 and further ahead.
This year, we launched the National Operator Forum – engaging with operators to better work alongside them, understand their plans and concerns, and ultimately support as best we can.
For 2025, we also plan to establish a Padel Advisory Group, including influential individuals from the padel sector as well – so we’re heavily committed to working with the wider padel community to ensure the sustainable growth of the sport.
With regards to participation, we want to get more kids and young people involved in playing the sport.
We’ll be working with venues to help them facilitate more youth programmes and encourage the next generation to pick up a rack and get involved. This will drive more sustainability within our sport but also increase our player database so we can run more training camps, opportunities to talent ID and open up more international tournament opportunities as well.
We’re also enhancing the competition pathway for players to provide greater opportunities all year round, in support of the growing player base. This comes as a result of the growth in venues that are able to run these types of competitions.
There will also be some exciting developments in the digital space to help continue to raise awareness of padel and tap into new and existing audiences – with more details coming this year. We are rolling out this approach to other local authorities across the country, which will help support the sustainable growth of padel facilities across the country.
In the professional game, our support over the last five years has given British players a great platform to grow, develop and push up the rankings. Whether it’s been support with travel to tournaments around the world, enhancing their training environments, both in this country as well as abroad, investing in top-level coaches to work with them or opportunities to compete domestically – we’ve been with
those players on every step of the journey and it’s great to see them pushing at the top level.
We only want to build on this momentum to achieve our performance goals, so we will continue to review and enhance our support packages for the pro players into next year and beyond.
Overall, I think it’s an exciting new chapter for padel in Britain. Having laid a lot of groundwork over the last few years, we are pushing on into the next phase and we have a robust strategy in place for how we can get there. We’re ready to help take it to the next level.
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The
LTA announced its new strategy for padel in September 2024. One of
the main focuses of the strategy is to grow and improve the infrastructure of padel
The LTA launched its new strategy for padel in Britain in September 2024. In it, the LTA outlines a vision to “open padel up” to more people across the country and to grow the sport by making it more accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring.
The new strategy, which covers the period from 2024 to 2029, maintains the LTA’s focus on growing the infrastructure of padel, increasing and diversifying the coaching workforce and building on the performance pathway as well as increasing visibility and driving participation.
Since becoming the national governing body for the sport in Britain in 2020, the LTA has made significant investment towards developing and supporting padel in Britain. In addition to private investment, the LTA and the LTA Tennis Foundation have invested £6 million into 40 padel facility projects, funding a total of 75 new courts, as well as the competition structure, performance support and coach development.
In total, since 2019, the number of courts has grown from 50 to 350 and the number of regular players from 6,000 to 129,000. To support the growth, the LTA has launched new coaching courses, as well as a performance pathway to support Britain’s best players.
The new strategy aims to help deliver the next stage of the sports development with a series of actions that focus on investing in the visibility of padel and its infrastructure, growing the fan and player base, growing and engaging the padel workforce, developing opportunities to widen the appeal of padel and creating a pathway and support for adult and junior performance players.
The commitments for the first phase of the strategy,
inclusive of 2024 through to the end of 2026, include growing the visibility of padel to increase awareness from 20% to 40% of the population and interest in playing from 7.5% to 15%. It also includes a target to increase the number of players who play at least once a year from 129,000 to 400,000 and the number of monthly players from 65,000 to 200,000.
From a facility point of view, the strategy identifies a goal of increasing the number of padel courts from 350 to 1,000, while also growing the padel coach and activator workforce from 40 to 700. From 2025 onwards, the LTA will also establish a new Padel Advisory Group (PAG) to help guide the development of the sport across Britain. The group will be open to those from across the industry who want to work collaboratively and share ideas to grow the sport.
Tom Murray, the LTA’s Head of Padel says: “The strategy will help take padel in Britain to the next level. The strategy and tactics that we’ve put in place will truly help to open padel up to many more people across the country, with more funding, facilities and coaches ensuring that the sport is accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring.
“Having successfully completed the tasks we identified in our 2020–23 Padel Development Plan, we now want to evolve our approach in order to grow padel by making it accessible, welcoming, enjoyable, and inspiring and maximise the sport’s impact to achieve sustainable growth for the future.
“Over the coming years we will maintain our focus on padel infrastructure, growing and diversifying the padel coaching workforce, and implementing a performance pathway that supports current players whilst also paving the way for the next generation. Alongside this we will invest in driving greater visibility for the sport, including exploring opportunities for professional padel events in
The strategy can be viewed and downloaded here: https://bit.ly/3Pux4iK
The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) is the national governing body for padel – as well as tennis – and has clearly defined roles to grow the sport
Since the LTA became the national governing body for the sport in Britain in 2020, significant investment has already been directed towards developing and supporting padel across the country. Becoming the national governing body for a sport in its relative infancy, compared to its far more established sibling of tennis, presents a number of hugely exciting opportunities which could see padel become one of the country’s most popular sports. However, lessons from other countries tell us that growing padel also has its own unique challenges to overcome, in order for growth to be sustainable in the long term.
The LTA’S role
The role of the LTA as padel’s governing body to date has focused on three key areas of work:
Building the game – securing the foundations of the sport in Britain, supporting the development of a network of facilities in regions across the country and attracting players to these facilities, and establishing pathways for performance players to develop a national performance padel programme. Accelerating the game – using the existing infrastructure in place through the LTA’s work in tennis to promote the game, using marketing initiatives such as the LTA’s Padel People series featuring celebrities giving padel a go and developing partnerships to enhance the overall awareness and visibility of the game. Scaling the game – working with operators, including those in the private sector, to increase the number of padel courts nationwide available for people to play the game, and driving the number and quality of coaches working with both adults and children to give those starting in the sport and those pushing to reach the top of the game the best possible coaching.
Between 2020 and 2023, the number of courts grew from 50 to 350, where in addition to private investment, the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation have invested £6 million into the sport, including into 40 padel facility projects funding a total of 75 new courts. Alongside this, annual participation grew from 15,000 to 129,000, and the LTA launched new coaching courses, competition structures, and a performance pathway to support Britain’s best players as they build their profile on the sport’s global stage. These figures indicate a strong start for padel in Britain, but there is still a long way to go and more work to be done. That’s why, in September 2024, the LTA unveiled its strategy for the next six years of padel’s journey.
The LTA’s strategy for padel, covering a period running until the end of 2029, sets out how the LTA’s role has now shifted and evolved, as the sport itself has undergone major growth both nationally and internationally.
Now, the LTA’s role and responsibilities are articulated through six strategic pillars to help deliver the vision of ‘padel opened up’ and its mission to grow padel by making it accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring.
Invest – invest in the visibility of padel and its infrastructure
Grow – grow the player and fan base
Engage – engage, grow and motivate the padel workforce
Diversify – develop opportunities to grow the appeal of padel
Perform – create a pathway and support for players
Lead – lead padel in Britain to ensure it’s safe, inclusive and sustainable
In addition to the strategic pillars, the LTA has identified five key objectives, which it has set out to achieve by December 2026. The objectives lay out more tangible targets and aims and cover everything from awareness of the sport, participation and facilities to coaching and performance.
1
Grow the visibility of padel to increase awareness from 20% to 40% of the population, interest in playing from 7.5% to 15% and boost participation
2
Increase the number of annual padel players from 129,000 to 400,000, and monthly players from 65,000 to 200,000
3
4
5
Increase the number of padel courts from 350 to 1,000
Grow the padel coach and activator workforce from 40 to 700
Enable 10 players to break into the top 200 and 2 players into the top 100 and inspire the padel audience
With interest and participation in padel growing rapidly in recent years, developing a path to take padel to new heights in Britain, and then keep it there, is vital. The LTA’s padel strategy has the ability to do this, by engaging the whole padel community to achieve objectives not only focused on people playing the sport, but also ensuring there are sufficient opportunities for new people to take up the sport, and assurance that they have access to coaches and activators to help them begin their padel journey.
Padel has the potential to flourish in Britain, but it will not happen overnight. It will take sustained investment and collaboration amongst all those involved to elevate padel from the innumerable sports that compete for people’s attention in Britain today. However, the combination of the LTA’s strategy and the sector’s innovation and investment, helping padel courts to emerge in venues ranging from traditional tennis clubs to vacant city centre retail spaces, is setting the sport up to rise above the noise and become a permanent addition to the British sporting landscape.
Soul Padel is on a mission to use padel to create spaces where people can come together, have fun and challenge themselves. Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder, outlines how the sky is the limit for padel in the UK
How would you describe the UK’s Padel market at the moment?
The UK’s padel market is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing interest from sports enthusiasts, clubs and investors. Padel has gained significant traction in recent years, benefiting from its accessibility as a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. The sport is particularly appealing due to its social, fun and easier-to-learn nature compared to traditional racket sports, which is drawing in a diverse group of players, from casual participants to more serious athletes. Several sports clubs, leisure centres and gyms are integrating padel into their offerings, and the market is now reaching a point where both participation and infrastructure are expanding quickly. However, despite this growth, the sport is still in its early stages compared to Spain or Latin America, meaning there is substantial room for further development. Padel has the potential to become a mainstay of British sports culture, offering a unique combination of fitness, fun and sociability.
Are there regional differences across the UK?
Yes, there are notable regional differences in the UK’s padel landscape. London and the Southeast are leading the way with the highest concentration of padel courts and clubs. The demand in these areas is driven by affluent communities, a strong network of sporting clubs and proximity to international padel trends. The Midlands and Northern regions, particularly cities like Manchester and Birmingham, are also showing strong interest, but infrastructure is still catching up to meet the demand. Conversely, parts of the UK, such as rural areas and regions like Scotland and Wales, have seen less exposure to the sport. The number of facilities outside major urban centres remains limited, which creates both a challenge and an opportunity for growth in these regions.
What are your company’s plans in the market?
Over the next two years, Soul Padel plans to continue expanding its footprint by increasing the number of accessible courts and venues, particularly in regions where the sport is still emerging. We’re focusing on creating partnerships to integrate padel as a core offering.
Additionally, we aim to enhance our player engagement by developing community events, social tournaments and leagues, making padel a regular part of people’s recreational lives. We’re also exploring strategic partnerships with businesses in the wellness and fitness sectors to create synergies that promote padel as part of a healthy lifestyle. We’re investing in grassroots programmes to introduce the sport to schools and universities, ensuring long-term growth by engaging younger players.
Mark Hewlett’s SWOT analysis
STRENGTHS
Accessibility: Padel is easy to learn for players of all ages and skill levels, making it inclusive. Rising Popularity: Growth potential is strong. Low entry barriers for players: Approachable for casual players. Expanding Infrastructure: More clubs and courts are opening, increasing access to the sport.
WEAKNESSES
Lack of Infrastructure in Some Regions: Access to courts outside major cities remains limited. Public awareness: Despite growth, many people in the UK are still unfamiliar with padel. Limited competitive pathways: Tournaments and leagues are still relatively scarce in the UK.
OPPORTUNITIES
Expansion into underserved areas: Untapped potential for new courts and clubs. Corporate sponsorships and partnerships: Opportunities to partner with brands. Leisure and wellness trends: Focus on health – an opportunity for padel to become a fitness activity.
THREATS
Economic conditions: Consumer spending on recreational activities might be squeezed.
Padium is one of the premium UK padel operators, with a vision to elevate the game by offering a world-class experience before, during, and after a match. Padium’s Operations Manager, Max Lutostanski, offers his views on the sector
How would you describe the UK’s Padel market at the moment?
The UK padel market is currently experiencing rapid growth, with demand much higher compared to the number of courts across the country. It’s still in its early stages compared to other European countries like Spain, Italy, France and Sweden, however, since 2019, the number of courts has grown from 50 to around 600, and annual participation from 6,000 to 150,000. Padel is quickly gaining recognition as one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, driven by increased awareness and participation. Celebrity endorsements and partnerships are playing a big part in the speed and growth of the sport.
Are there regional differences across the UK – are there particular “boom” areas, and others which haven’t seen much padel yet? Yes, there are noticeable regional differences. Cities like London, Bristol and Manchester, are leading the growth, with new clubs and facilities opening quickly. There’s increasing interest from investors and brands seeing padel as a profitable opportunity. This has led to the formation of partnerships, sponsorship deals, and even professional tournaments being organised. Padium’s presence in Canary Wharf positions the brand in one of the most popular padel areas, with interest and demand being extremely high. Regions like the North East, parts of Wales and Scotland have yet to see significant investment in padel. These areas are still in the early stages of the sport, representing key opportunities for Padium’s expansion strategy.
What are your company’s plans in the market over the next 2 years? Are you working on specific developments/partnerships?
Over the next two years, Padium aims to expand its presence across major UK cities beyond and abroad. This
will include opening new clubs in strategic locations, particularly in areas where the sport is gaining traction. Padium will also focus on community engagement and junior programmes to introduce more people to the sport, working with schools, universities and local businesses. Additionally, plans to host or sponsor tournaments and events are being discussed to increase brand visibility and establish Padium as a leader in the UK’s padel scene.
Max Lutostanski’s SWOT analysis
STRENGTHS:
● Rapid growth and increasing demand
● Growing infrastructure with more courts being developed
● Wide appeal across various demographics
WEAKNESSES:
● Limited court availability, particularly outside of key cities
● Padel is still relatively unknown to a large portion of the UK population
OPPORTUNITIES:
● Significant expansion potential in underdeveloped regions
● Opportunity to partner with schools, tennis or golf clubs, and private investors to accelerate growth
● Engagement with juniors can create long-term stability within the sport
THREATS:
● Competition from other sports
● Challenges related to planning permissions
Building padel courts to UK standards and conditions is crucial for the sport’s long-term success. SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw, says the best way to ensure standards are adhered to is to select SAPCA members for padel projects
Padel’s popularity is growing rapidly across the UK. As operators look to meet the increasing demand by building more courts, a number of construction companies have popped up, claiming to be experts in court design and construction. Others, while making no claims of expertise, are prepared to “have a go” at building a court despite no prior experience of working in padel.
Sadly, this has meant that the rush to meet demand – often at the lowest possible cost – has resulted in plenty of examples in which courts have not been built to high enough standards. In the worst cases, courts have been erected in ways entirely incompatible to UK weather conditions and other requirements. There have already been cases in which urgent remedial works are required to bring courts up to scratch. In others, the use of wrong and substandard materials have meant newly-built courts have been forced to close for good, soon after their grand opening.
A growing, exciting sport like padel deserves highquality, durable courts. The easiest way to ensure a successful padel court construction project is to adhere to the The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts. It provides a minimum standard of specification and proficiency, which will ensure a court will both offer a quality experience for players and stand the test of time. In turn, the easiest way to ensure that a project is completed according to the Code of Practice is to only work with SAPCA member companies – who are all committed to meeting the standards.
The SAPCACode of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts has been developed in collaboration with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the national governing body for padel in the UK. This partnership ensures that the guidelines reflect both international best practices and the specific requirements of the UK market. By following these standards, courts
are guaranteed to meet the performance, safety and longevity expectations of players, clubs and venues.
Non-compliance with these established standards can lead to subpar courts that fail to meet the demands of competitive or recreational play. Crucially, while numerous companies in the UK offer design and build services for padel courts, only SAPCA member companies are guaranteed to follow the SAPCA Code of Practice.
SAPCA members are rigorously vetted to ensure they have the technical expertise and commitment to adhere to the standards. Choosing a non-member company may result in construction shortcuts or deviations from best practices, leading to potential issues with court quality and durability.
SAPCA member companies also undergo stringent financial assessments, demonstrating stability and resilience over time. This vetting process ensures that these companies are trustworthy and capable of completing projects as promised.
Unfortunately, the construction industry sometimes sees “cowboy” companies – businesses that take shortcuts or disappear when problems arise. By choosing a SAPCA member, those looking to build padel facilities can mitigate this risk, as they are partnering with a reputable organisation that will be present and accountable throughout the project.
Building a padel tennis court is a significant investment that requires careful planning and execution. By adhering to the SAPCA Code of Practice and choosing a SAPCA member company, stakeholders can ensure their courts meet the highest standards of quality, safety and performance.
In a growing sport like padel, ensuring the integrity of its infrastructure is key to supporting its long-term success. To find out more about SAPCA and its members involved in padel, use the “find a member” section on the SAPCA website here: www.sapca.org.uk/members/
Steven Armitage, Managing Director of Ream Padel, predicts that demand will continue to outstrip supply – but warns that growth needs to be sustainable
How would you describe the UK padel market at present?
Awareness of padel is growing rapidly along with the social, health and commercial benefits. The demand for courts however continues to be greater than supply and this is likely to be the case well into the future. In short, the padel market is extremely buoyant in most regions with significant opportunities existing for manufacturers, suppliers, operators and investors. The likelihood of market saturation is many years away and in fact unlikely to occur at all with financial, regulatory and cultural influences continuing to dictate growth.
The supply of padel courts remains constrained and to an extent frustrated by the planning system in the UK which is overly sensitive to new developments generally and padel related projects in particular. The difference in attitude and interpretation of planning rules from local authority to local authority is often baffling and makes development decisions difficult.
Many very good and sensible schemes of all shapes and sizes remain frozen or delayed waiting for decisions. This creates real financial and practical problems when trying to programme development, manage investment and expand the reach of padel.
Attitudes from tennis clubs and other sports organisations remains mixed. Many see padel as a real opportunity to retain and grow membership, utilise redundant facilities and provide a new revenue stream. Others see it as a threat to their core activities and regard it as unwanted competition and unnecessary investment rather than complementary.
With organisations like the LTA, the RFU and other sports bodies promoting their support for padel across their respective sports from grassroots to professional level, this can only be a major positive for long term development. There is no doubt that padel as a sport, and in terms of court numbers and participants, will become the number one racquet sport in the UK and likely to overtake tennis within a few years.
The number of commercial padel centre operators is increasing as established players increase their portfolios as well as new entrants to the market see the attractive return on investment. In the public sector, schools and colleges are seeing the inclusive nature
and accessibility of padel and in increasing numbers starting to build courts alongside or to replace existing facilities. Local authorities and other public sector bodies similarly see the accessibility and growing popularity of padel and have in addition the dual motives of improving the health of the nation at the same time as generating much needed extra revenues.
The same applies to sports clubs of all types who by and large face significant drops in participation, membership and income. Padel is seen as a means of introducing new members or visitors which can have the knock-on effect of supplying new participants to the core sport activities.
What are your company’s plans in the market over the next two years?
Our direction is to move more into total project management and development, where we can add maximum value working with landowners and investors. Our overall vision is to be part of the UK padel success story by introducing the sport to all corners of society, creating a sustainable sport sector to rival the best in the world.
STRENGTHS
● Easily accessible and social activity.
● Compact courts, low cost of installation.
● Complimentary to other sports and activities.
● Very attractive return on capital investment.
WEAKNESSES
● Growing quickly – risk of poor quality projects.
● Relatively expensive to play.
OPPORTUNITIES
● To develop padel in all areas and regions. .
THREATS
● The development of padel needs to be sustainable over the medium and long term rather than a possible boom and bust.
Temporary building specialist, CopriSystems, launched a dedicated padel arm to its business in December 2023. Rafe Colenso, director of CopriSystems, outlines his views on the rapidly evolving sector – and why there needs to be a focus on quality when building new courts
How would you describe the UK’s Padel market at the moment?
Cautious and a slow-burn. There is no denying that the enthusiasm for padel is booming. Everyone we speak to, who has discovered the sport, loves it. Occupancy rates for courts are high and you have to book so far in advance to get one. Internal clubs are reaping the rewards financially of having facilities that are available throughout the year but there aren’t nearly enough of them to meet the demand to play. Enquiries are coming in thick and fast every day from sports clubs looking to diversify; schools, universities, private investors, homeowners with a big garden etc. There are no seasonal peaks, the huge interest in wanting a piece of the padel pie is consistent but development is slow. The rate at which courts are being built up and down the country is not keeping up.
From the conversations we are having, planning still appears to be the biggest barrier to progress, so the local authorities are cautious but investors are also being careful. You only have to look at the situation in other European countries to know that if every enquiry comes to fruition, then the padel market will quickly become saturated and clubs will have to close.
Are there regional differences across the UK?
Yes! London and the Southeast is buzzing. There’s a great padel scene emerging in some of the big cities e.g. Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Bristol but there are plenty of black spots that are ripe for development, such as the Southwest corridor from Bath down to Exeter and beyond, also the East from Norfolk up to Hull.
What do you see as the sector’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats? The strengths really lie in the opportunities. There are some brilliant projects in the pipeline and passionate people behind them. There is also strength in the potential of padel to boost other sports. Golf clubs and tennis clubs that have been prepared to diversify and introduce padel
to their membership programme have not only seen numbers grow as people start to embrace this new sport but participation in golf and tennis has also grown as fresh faces with a burst of new energy are introduced.
As for weaknesses, there still appears to be a frightening disconnect when it comes to understanding that what might look good in Spain and work well in a Mediterranean climate is not suitable for UK soil. We’ve seen a number of courts that have been installed without much regard for the specific wind loadings and surrounding environment, leading to the steel framework rusting after 6 months of exposure to the British weather. When it comes to opportunities, it’s really exciting. Padel builds communities, that’s one of the sport’s biggest strengths and the positive impact it could have on Sport England’s ambitions to get more people active is significant.
Assessing the threats, I would say that there are a lot of cowboys selling cheap padel courts that are scarily low-spec and not suitable for the UK. Lots of people come to us asking for “pop-up” padel courts i.e. they want a cheap solution that can be taken down as quickly as it is installed, just in case their business plan is unsuccessful. Very little money spent, very little lost. This is of huge concern. The word “pop-up” does not suggest quality and when we are talking about a structure that is made of glass, you want to make sure you are working with exceptional materials that are strong and durable.
What are your company’s plans in the market over the next 2 years??
We are working on a couple of new partnerships and ventures that we cannot wait to shout about but will have to keep to ourselves for now. However, looking ahead, we are going to continue our exclusive partnership with Italian Padel, who share our commitment to high quality and drive for innovation. We are also sticking to our guns and will not start cutting corners in order to cut costs. We believe that by using the best materials and striving for the highest standards of workmanship, we can create padel courts and clubs that will stand the test of time.
Adam
how the fast-growing sector will evolve
How would you describe the UK’s padel market at the moment?
I’ve never seen a sport capture imaginations in this way or flourish so quickly. A whole sector has emerged in a matter of years and it’s thriving in a way noone could have anticipated. A big part of the reason, I think, is that post-pandemic, people have really reassessed their lives and are looking for opportunities to connect with others socially in ways that also bring physical and mental benefits and, being so inclusive, padel answers all of these needs in spades.
Are there regional differences across the UK?
We’re seeing lots of demand in urban areas with padel courts being more compact than tennis courts – and padel also tends to attract a slightly younger demographic. So, we’ve installed padel court canopies in the centre of Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham for example. While we’ll continue to see the urban padel scene boom, I think we’re starting to see increasing traction in more suburban and rural areas. Tennis and sports clubs, for example, are seeing their memberships go through the roof when they install padel facilities. We’re seeing lots of demand in this space, working with clubs like West Worthing Tennis Club and Bishops Stortford Lawn Tennis Club. There are some areas, like the South-West, which seem to be less developed, but where there is a lot of potential. The active outdoor lifestyle in the region is ideally suited to the padel scene and of course padel courts make a fantastic addition to hotel grounds and holiday parks.
What do you see as padel’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?
Strength-wise, it feels like the sky really is the limit for padel in the UK. You only have to look at the way the padel scene has exploded in parts of Europe and is emerging fast in the US to see the long-term potential. But that opportunity and strength is also a potential threat. There’s a temptation to barrel into a rapidly evolving market to cash in quickly, but as more and
more facilities are provided across the country, padel users will become increasingly picky. It’s only those that have properly thought through their offer and focused on creating an optimum play and social experience that will thrive in the long-term.
That’s why it’s so important to work with experts in the field and to focus on creating a high-end, quality player experience when you’re planning any padel project. It’s also why you should design with longevity in mind.
We always design our canopies so that clients can enclose them fully at any stage or can add further courts and canopies in the future in a seamless, cost-effective way, because if you get it right, you’ll definitely need to be adding more in the future!
What are your plans in the market over the next two years?
We’re working hard to support the interest in this exploding market and travel around the country each month to carry out complementary site visits. These inperson visits are key, as they help unlock the long-term potential of clients’ sites in ways they’d never envisaged.
We’re also developing new canopy models to offer clients different solutions and entry points. Most recently, we’ve added a Developed Model to our portfolio. Its rolled CHS beams offer a strikingly clean aesthetic - perfect if you’re wanting a high-end feel. We’ve recently installed one of these canopies at Chappel Allerton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club and the feedback from members has been amazing.
Scale is also a trend to watch. Clients are increasingly recognising the benefits of offering light, open play spaces and we’re providing clear spans of up to 40m with no internal columns, to meet this demand.
We also predict more and more clients weaving sustainability into their briefs as an integral part of their requirement with increasing interest in features like green and solar panel roofs and living walls, in which we’ve got lots of experience. And as padel continues to boom as a social as well as sports activity, we also predict clubs and leisure centres adding social amenities into their thinking such as all-weather dining options.
Founder
CEO
All too often in my two-point-five years in the British padel industry, I’ve heard the hyperbolic words “it looks like padel’s exploding”, not least words to that effect over the past 12 months. And while padel is growing at an eye-catching rate, the semantics around an explosion might be a little too melodramatic – and that’s coming from an optimist, someone who’s almost too glass full to a fault at times. Yet, when it comes to this idea of padel being rampant in Britain, I have to temper this because the reality suggests a slower, though very healthy, picture. So, in pure numbers terms, where are we now? At the end of 2024, the number of courts sat at about 600, a sizeable increase from the 350 courts that existed 12 months ago, but I’d suggest this number should be far higher if the reality was matching the hype, or if the supply could keep up with the demand.
Padel has achieved mainstream attention through celebrity endorsements, investor owners of Hexagon Cup teams (Andy Murray, for one), TV presenters getting on court and even the royals trying their hand at the world’s fastest-growing sport. But why aren’t the numbers higher? Well, Britain’s often arcane (but perhaps helpful, if we want to avoid a Sweden boom and bust situation) planning system means the process, and the time it takes, to bring initial dream to reality is a long and winding road that veers between owl surveys to bat surveys and everything in between. As someone who works in the sport on a daily basis, I can say for certain that there are a significantly higher number of operators waiting in the wings (or whose applications are sitting on local authorities’ desks) than are visible on the market right now. There is a lot more padel to come in Britain.
The recent Property+Padel event I co-hosted with property expert Rohit Grewal at London’s Padium club identified what might be keeping Britain at the ‘steady as she goes’ pace of padel construction, and it comes down to: availability of land, cost of land and real estate (especially in the affluent south-east of England) and, yes, planning permission itself. It’s the perfect storm - or far from perfect for many - that is preventing
Britain having reached the 1000-court mark already.
And yet, coming back to ‘the Sweden situation’ – where, fuelled by Covid popularising padel and a plethora of venues opening too quickly led to an oversupply of facilities for Sweden’s 10 million inhabitants – that simply wouldn’t happen here in Britain. The heavily regulated British planning system (and, yes, the lack of suitable sites or existing buildings with the right heights to allow “lobbers” like me to play) stymying any such rapid growth.
But the impatience in me – and many padel operator –has been steadied by the realisation that actually, this slow pace of build isn’t a bad thing. In fact, perhaps it will make the British market more resilient to the mistakes suffered by many of Sweden’s over-zealous club investors and builders. Perhaps, it just might make Britain’s growth (and to use a fashionable word), sustainable with its growth.
And the growth is there, for all to see. We know that each single court is, on average, played on for 8.8 hours per day. That is a very healthy number which shows that facilities are being used. It paints a picture of a nation thirsty for padel.
So, 2025, does it look healthy in Britain? You bet it does. Expect the number of courts to surpass the LTA’s conservative target of 1,000 – and then some. As awareness of padel grows on the desks of public authorities across Britain, so does padel’s chance of faster growth. Get ready because this is just the beginning.
Padel 22
Since it was founded in October 2022, Padel 22 has been on a mission to shape the narrative of the sport as it expands into new territories, from the UK to USA, Singapore to South Africa and India to Indonesia. From strategic communications and media relations to digital marketing, crisis management and stakeholder relations, Padel 22 delivers solutions tailored for clubs, organisations, brands, events, leagues and players.
Rich Wingfield, Managing Director of Surge Padel, says that in a thriving market, the company is looking to expand in a sustainable way
How would you describe the UK’s padel market at the moment?
The UK padel market is experiencing explosive growth, with new clubs and courts opening almost weekly. This surge in popularity is driven by the sport’s inclusive and social nature, appealing to a broad demographic. Its accessibility – welcoming players of all ages and skill levels – has been a key factor in its success. There’s also significant buzz surrounding potential Olympic inclusion, which would undoubtedly accelerate its mainstream adoption. However, while the market is thriving, it remains in its early stages compared to more mature padel nations like Spain. This provides immense opportunity for growth and innovation in the UK.
Are there regional differences across the UK?
There are clear regional disparities in the growth of padel. London and the South East lead the charge, benefiting from affluent communities and established infrastructure. Manchester is also emerging as a stronghold, supported by its vibrant sporting culture. In contrast, regions like Scotland, Wales, and parts of the Midlands have fewer courts and lower awareness, reflecting untapped potential. However, areas like Bristol demonstrate that with the right facilities, even smaller cities can become padel hubs, showcasing the sport’s adaptability and widespread appeal.
What are your company’s plans in the market over the next two years?
At Surge Padel, our mission is to grow the sport sustainably, balancing expansion with financial stability. Over the next two years, our focus will be on three areas. The first is community development. We want to build partnerships with councils, schools, and businesses to make padel accessible to all. The second is enhanced player experience. The plan is to expand our events, leagues, and coaching programmes for all skill levels. The third is to ensure sustainable expansion. Carefully selecting locations that align with long-term growth goals. We are also seeking new opportunities for expansion. Ideal locations include industrial units, new
developments, or shared spaces with a proximity to affluent towns or cities. We are looking at sites that offer a space between 23,000sq ft and 43,000sq ft and a 6-metre ceiling height. We want to create sites with a capacity for at least six courts, with reception, toilets and showers. Our success lies in creating thriving communities at each of our facilities. By addressing barriers such as affordability and accessibility, we aim to make padel a household sport. Through partnerships with governing bodies, local authorities, schools and investors, we are building more than just courts— we are building the future of padel in the UK.
Rich Wingfield’s SWOT analysis
STRENGTHS:
Inclusive and social: Brings together people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Momentum: Growing media coverage and community engagement are driving adoption. Technology-driven growth: Platforms that facilitate easy bookings and player matching boost accessibility.
WEAKNESSES:
Infrastructure challenges: Limited indoor facilities and high costs of suitable premises hinder growth. Awareness gaps: Some still unfamiliar with padel. Sustainability risks: Rapid expansion risks outpacing demand or diluting operational quality.
OPPORTUNITIES:
Regional expansion: Targeting underserved areas. Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, councils, and fitness organisations to grow grassroots. Visibility: Hosting high-profile tournaments.
THREATS:
Economic pressures: Rising costs for players and operators could slow participation. Over-saturation: Lessons from Sweden highlight the risks of over-expansion.
Growing padel in a sustainable way is paramount to its long-term success. To achieve this, the LTA has adopted a “local first” approach
With work needed to increase court numbers and develop coaches and players at all levels in all parts of the country, adopting a local first approach is a central principle that the LTA and the padel community must adopt in order to grow padel in a sustainable way. Manchester – where the LTA’s padel strategy launch followed months of hard work laying foundations for padel’s growth in the city – serves as a prime example of the benefits of such an approach. By taking the time to assess local demand and existing infrastructure, we can ensure the right facilities are delivered in the right place, not just where the first opportunity arises.
The LTA found that in other parts of the country, padel activity was concentrated in very specific parts of local areas, limiting the accessibility and reach of the sport. In Manchester, in summer 2024, the supply of courts was made up of just two covered courts and four outdoor courts in the centre and south of the city.
Through collaboration between the LTA, Manchester City Council and Manchester Active, Manchester has become the first city in Britain to develop a local padel plan. The plan’s objectives are threefold: to support the development of facilities locally; to work with local clubs and schools to get more people,
The LTA’s local-first approach ensures facilities are delivered where demand is greatest, fostering sustainable growth
Padel will thrive if facilities meet community needs, ensuring courts are accessible and demand-driven
especially young people, aware and interested in the sport; and to grow the appetite for padel in the city.
Manchester’s padel plan has taken a demand analysis-led approach to examining potential sites for expansion, ensuring that new padel courts –situated in parks and at leisure centres – will have a geographic spread across Manchester. Analysis led by the LTA has shown that, across Manchester and Wythenshawe, there is sustained demand for at least 42 new courts. By working with the local authority, the sites that will not only prove most suitable for court development, but will also provide inclusive padel opportunities for the community, can be identified.
The padel plan in Manchester forms part of a wider facility strategy in the city that includes both padel and tennis, with other aspects such as more floodlighting opportunities on community tennis courts, sustainable park tennis operating models being introduced, and working towards covered tennis courts all in development.
At the heart of Manchester’s local padel plan, and those the LTA believes will follow, is a commitment to delivering high-quality padel facilities whilst also collaborating with partners to ensure development is local authority-wide, sustainable, and revenue maximising. The strategic planning approach
Working with local clubs and schools is essential to increasing awareness and participation in padel among young people
implemented by Manchester has been adopted by a number of local authorities, with local first padel strategies likely to become the norm.
Yawar Abbas, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Sport and Events at Manchester Active, feels the padel plan for Manchester will be of huge benefit to the city.
“In Manchester, we are really excited about the participation opportunities Padel can bring for our residents,” Abbas says.
“Manchester Active, the organisation that is responsible for delivering Sport and Physical Activity for the City, is delighted to be working with the LTA to develop a padel strategy that will deliver affordable and accessible opportunities to play what is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. We have engaged our capital facility team, to bring forward an exciting range of options that will ensure a geographic spread of courts, complementing the growth in the commercial sector and creating a new and diverse cohort of padel players.”
A new Padel Advisory Group (PAG) of individuals and organisations from across the industry has been established this year (2025) to help input into the development of the sport across Britain. Among its primary functions, the Padel Advisory Group (PAG) will support with guidance to the LTA’s National Delivery Teams, as they work closely with the local authorities across the country to develop strategic plans to support the growth and sustainability for the sport in a way that works best for their communities, replicating the work that has taken place in Manchester.
Padel will continue to flourish across Britain as long as it meets the needs of the communities who want to play the sport. There is no point in a town or city having a plethora of padel courts if they’re all in one area and the majority of demand is in another. By bringing the padel community together and focusing on what an area’s padel needs are, the conditions the sport needs to thrive can be put in place.
Cultivating an engaged network of regular players is one of the keys to operating a successful padel facility. Sam Kemp from R3 Sport highlights how competitions and events can attract and retain customers and turn a venue into a thriving community
The best sports clubs are built around a strong sense of community and padel is no exception. A thriving community fosters a sense of belonging and fulfilment, supporting member retention and, in turn, aiding the venue’s financial health. As the oft-quoted piece of research (published by the Harvard Business Review) goes: retaining an existing customer is five times cheaper than acquiring a new one. When it comes to padel, competitions and events can play a key role in providing that sense of belonging. Often misconceived, competition is about more than just winning points. Competitions and events provide a sense of meaning and belonging; they offer touchpoints where friendships are formed, coaching is put into practice and memorable moments are created.
Competitions and events can support regular engagement, encourage new player participation, support social interaction and promote healthy competition (a vital aspect of all sports). Not only this but they can be used to significantly boost revenue, promote the venue and attract new members.
Therefore, existing and prospective padel venue operators should ensure they have positioned competitions and events as a key pillar within their strategy. As padel continues to expand and the number of padel venues grow, the clubs that prioritise community and competition will be best placed to maximise on this exciting new sport. As former World Padel Tour player, Juan Martin Diaz stated: “The magic of padel isn’t just on the court; it’s in the friendships and stories that grow around it.”
Over the next pages are some examples of the benefits that competitions can have on a padel venue.
Competitions and events provide vital engagement opportunities for your members. Whether its friendly matches, club box leagues, social nights or a sanctioned tournament these events give players something to look forward to. According to a survey by the Padel Federation, clubs that host weekly events see a 35% increase in member participation compared to those that do not. Competitions should form part of any membership strategy with events catering to players of all levels. Fun beginner sessions, friendly social tournaments and advanced league matches should form your competition offer to ensure everyone has the chance to play. The aim should be to create a dynamic calendar of events that encourages frequent participation and provides a sense of belonging and purpose for all players.
Competitions are not just for experienced players. They are an excellent tool to support new players into padel, giving them the opportunity to get involved, learn the game and build confidence. A common barrier to participation for new players is the fear of not being “good enough”. By offering
According to a survey by the Padel Federation, clubs that host weekly events see a 35% increase in member participation compared to those that do not
beginner-friendly events such as ‘Intro to Padel’ or ‘Fun Tournaments’ you can create a welcoming environment where new players feel comfortable.
Encouraging new players to participate in events not only supports their skill development but also helps with bringing them into the club community and making new friends. This can help with new player acquisition, member retention and court usage. A study conducted by the European Padel Association found that clubs who did the best job of retaining new players often had an event calendar that offered a variety of social activities for a mix of skill levels.
What really makes padel stand out from other sports is its inherent social nature. As a doubles sport, it naturally lends itself to social interaction and communication.
By following some top tips you can provide your players with unforgettable experiences, life-long friendships and a sense of community built around a club that values enjoyment, inclusivity, sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Create an exciting events calendar: Ensure you plan a mix of events, from beginner sessions to competitive events and sanctioned tournaments. A diverse calendar offers something for everyone, maintaining interest amongst your members and supporting inclusivity. Embrace technology: Running a calendar of diverse events can mean a lot of administration. There is a range of software and tools that can support with player registration, communication, and tournament management, making it easier for you to focus on delivering an excellent experience. Ask your members: It’s important to remember that ultimately you are organising competitions
for your members – so ask them to help. Creating an “events committee” can help generate ideas, provide feedback and even relieve some of the organisational burdens on yourself. Sponsorship and partnerships: Padel is experiencing a surge of popularity and this has been noticed by businesses and brands that want to get involved. Thanks to social media, it has never been easier to promote your work and provide increased visibility and brand recognition for your partners in exchange for their support.
Promote, promote, promote: If you don’t tell people, did it even happen? You can promote your event, attract new audiences and highlight your successes using a range of tools and techniques without having to pay anything, so why not? Review and adapt: Continuous improvement is the name of the game so ensure that you seek feedback after every event to learn what went well and what can be improved next time.
For those serious about competition, there is now an established elite pathway which has seen the likes
A study by Deloitte found clubs that host at least one major event or tournament per quarter tend to see a 20-30% increase in their annual revenue
Competitions and events offer further opportunities for players to meet, and play, with new people, develop friendships and create memories together. However, it doesn’t stop when you step off-court. Alongside the competitive event, its important to include additional social elements to maximise enjoyment and profitability. Consider organising mixed doubles, family days or charity events that bring different groups of people together and offer opportunities both on and off court. Creating a clubhouse that encourages post-game socialising - such as additional family activities, a bar or café - can also help foster an engaged community.
There is no denying that competition is at the heart of sport - it brings out the best in players, creates friendly rivalry and provides a means in which players can showcase their skills and develop their game. Regular competitive opportunities keep members motivated and inspired to improve, often leading to them playing more regularly or employing the support of a coach. However, it is important to strike a balance between healthy competition and inclusivity. Not every player wants to compete at the highest level, so offering a range of competitive formats is essential. The aim should be to create events that cater to different levels of play, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate and feel challenged.
Well-delivered competitions and events can also be a significant revenue driver for a padel club. Entry fees, event sponsorship and additional spend can all positively contribute to the clubs income.
A study by Deloitte found clubs that host at least one major event or tournament per quarter tend to see a 20-30% increase in their annual revenue. Additionally, events provide a great opportunity to promote your venue and attract new members. Offering discounts and deals to non-members on certain events can encourage them to experience the venue for the first time and potentially become a new member.
Personalising game experiences and creating a thriving juniors section are just two of the ways padel operators can help create a sense of community
A company is providing padel facilities (and players) with the opportunity to turn individual games into unique memories using personalised match balls. Name That Ball was launched with a vision of enhancing padel with creativity and a personal connection. Founded by Chloe Hughes, a passionate padel enthusiast, the company specialises in International Tennis Federation-quality padel and tennis balls.
“Padel isn’t just a sport – it’s a social experience that thrives on collaboration, camaraderie and fun,” Hughes says. We recognised the unique ability of personalized balls to amplify the joy of the game, turning ordinary matches into extraordinary memories. Whether it’s custom-branded balls for clubs and tournaments, thoughtful gifts for players, or fun additions to special events, Name That Ball brings a creative twist to the padel court.”
Hughes adds that her passion for padel extends beyond her business.
“I was inspired by the sport’s inclusivity and fast-paced energy, which fosters connections among players of all levels,” she said. “It’s what led me to launch Name That Ball – I wanted to promote the game’s dynamic and social nature.”
The brand caters to everyone from casual players to dedicated padel enthusiasts. From corporate events to family gatherings or even personalized dog-friendly editions.
Smash Padel’s junior pathways have been established with the view of creating a strong foundation for long-term engagement in the sport, making it accessible, fun and rewarding for young players at all levels. Through bespoke pathways, junior players develop the essential skills of coordination, agility and teamwork under the guidance of experienced coaches, as well as promoting sportsmanship, resilience and confidence along the way.
Smash Padel also organises regular junior tournaments and camps to encourage participation, provide valuable match experience and build a sense of community. Eight Smash junior players were selected for GB junior squads this year.
Fostering young talent is vital to increasing participation – as well as creating communities around venues. Smash Padel ensures juniors remain motivated and passionate about the sport, paving the way for a lifelong connection with padel.
Racquet Trend 2025, taking place in March, will see leading professionals across racquet sports – from tennis and padel to pickleball and squash – gather under the same roof
The world of racquet sports is evolving, and Racquet Trend 2025 is at the forefront of this transformation. Taking place from March 7–9, 2025, at the prestigious Fiera Milano Rho, this groundbreaking event is set to unite professionals, enthusiasts, and investors from across the globe in an unparalleled celebration of innovation, business, and sportsmanship. With 34,000sq m of exhibition space dedicated to five racquet sports — tennis, padel, pickleball, beach tennis and table tennis — Racquet Trend provides an immersive experience for attendees. In total, there are more than 20 courts, a performance zone and a fitness area. The event is not just about showcasing sports but also about creating opportunities for collaboration and growth within the industry.
JOIN THE REVOLUTION
Racquet Trend 2025 is more than just an event; it’s a movement that reflects the growing passion for racquet sports worldwide. Whether you’re a brand looking to connect with your audience, an investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a sports enthusiast eager to witness the future of racquet sports, this event promises something extraordinary.
Mark your calendars and join us in Milan to play the future of racquet sports. Learn more at www.racquetrend.com
PROFILE: Gilles Verbraeken
What makes Racquet Trend 2025 unique?
● Diverse sport areas
Each sport has its dedicated space, allowing brands and players to connect and explore new opportunities. From live demonstrations to interactive sessions, these areas are designed to highlight the versatility and appeal of racquet sports.
● B2B Networking Hub
Positioned at the heart of the event is the B2B Lounge, where investors, brands, and professionals can network, exchange ideas, and forge lasting partnerships. Startups and innovators will showcase cutting-edge products and services, making it a prime location for industry leaders to connect.
● Exclusive experiences
Beyond sports, Racquet Trend offers dedicated areas for fitness, wellness, and sports tourism. Attendees can engage in workshops, panel discussions, and interactive experiences that bridge the gap between sport and lifestyle.
● The premium booths and business lounges
Premium spaces within the exhibition will host leading brands and innovative startups, creating a dynamic marketplace for exploring the latest in racquet technology, training equipment, and sportswear.
As a passionate leader in the racquet sports industry, Gilles Verbraeken brings over a decade of experience in sports innovation, club development, and global partnerships. With a deep understanding of the padel landscape, Gilles has spearheaded initiatives to expand the sport’s reach and enhance operational excellence for clubs worldwide. Currently serving as the Global Partnerships & Investment Lead for Racquet Trend, Gilles connects investors, brands, and ambassadors to create impactful collaborations within the racquet sports community.
All padel court construction projects require formal planning approval to be sought from the relevant local authority. The playing surface, padel enclosure (including posts, glass and mesh fencing) and sports lighting posts and fittings will require planning consent prior to the commencement of the construction work.
The site owner or client is responsible for obtaining planning approval and may wish to appoint a consultant or contractor to prepare and submit the application on its behalf. Court coverings, such as a canopy or fully enclosed structures, will also require planning permission. It’s important to note that the use of temporary structures, while not always requiring planning approval, may actually require formal planning approval if they are to be used for an extended period of time, beyond that considered temporary.
Detailed reports regarding lighting, noise, environmental impact and drainage will almost always form part of the planning application for padel courts. The cost of these reports needs to be factored into the project budget at the design phase.
Careful consideration for the proposed location of the padel court should be given in relation to the impact of noise and light on any adjacent residential properties. If a residential property is within 30 – 50 metres of the padel court, then it is considered essential that a formal noise assessment is undertaken by a specialist consultant prior to making a planning application. Based on the findings of the report, mitigation measures may be required within the design – such as acoustic fencing or barriers to reduce the travel of sound to an acceptable level.
The Planning Authority may also suggest that the court(s) are moved to a more appropriate location. In some contentious locations adjacent to residential properties, planning authorities may stipulate a planning condition that a further noise assessment is carried out once the court is in use.
Consideration should also be given to the use of noise dampening designs like acoustic panels. SAPCA recommends that acoustic reports are produced for every padel court planning application. Furthermore, in relation to acoustic issues with padel courts, in the past year SAPCA and the LTA have been made aware of padel courts that have been threatened with closure on environmental health concerns due to the intense noise created by the courts. All developers of padel court projects need to be aware of (and consider) the implications of noise to the local environment where the courts are being constructed.
The impact of sports lighting, court and/or structure drainage, environmental disturbance and the need to consider biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements on the area being developed also need to be considered for all padel court planning applications. If this information is not provided as part of the planning application then there is a risk that the application will be rejected.
The design of the sports lighting system needs to achieve the required performance criteria for the level of usage. Plans will also need to identify the details of the type and specification of the luminaire being used and the mounting height. On the basis that lighting will be required for the padel court, a lighting data pack will need to be produced by a specialist consultant or contractor to support the planning application.
While the location of the proposed court should be considered in relation to noise and light disturbance, the position of the court (or courts) is also important. Surrounds should be suitable for player access – including for wheelchair users – as well as for ongoing maintenance. Space that allows the regular maintenance of the playing surface and cleaning of the glass should be included in the plans.
Another consideration is the management of the site and the potential to develop it further. Plans to cover the courts, or to add more courts, for example, should be included at the planning stage, as the need for additional space and access may become challenging once the project has been completed. There could be a significant impact on the layout of the courts, the canopy or indoor structure and the footprint required where future plans may include covering the courts.
All metalwork components used in the padel enclosure and/or covered structure should be designed and
The following items will be required as part of the submission to the planning authority:
● Planning application form
● Drawing including location and sectional views
● Details of material being used in court construction, padel enclosure and covering
● Design and access statement
● Environmental assessment of noise report
● Sports lighting design report including lighting spillage and impact on adjacent properties
● Ecology report
● Biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessment report
● Drainage report – where applicable
manufactured for the UK climate with sufficient warranty from manufacturer in place. The design of the concrete foundations for the padel court and/or the covered structure or canopy must also have the structural design calculations signed off by a competent structural engineer with the correct level of professional indemnity insurance.
The glass forming the padel enclosure must be 12mm thick for all outdoor courts or those covered by a canopy, kitemarked and must be specified within the design. For courts constructed indoor consideration can be given to 10mm glass.
• For more information on the technical aspects of padel court design, see p. 131 for the SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts
Selecting the right location for a facility project is important – especially in a booming sector like padel. Nina Lloyd (Director of Planning) and Georgina Kean (Senior Planner) from independent advisor, Turley, outline why mixed-use settings could be the perfect fit for a padel court
Padel is rapidly growing in popularity. With approximately 500 courts already open for bookings, the sport is creating a buzz across the UK. Yet, the current distribution of courts is presently concentrated in a few specific regions and cities – London (within the M25), Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds – leaving significant parts of the country padel-less or oversubscribed. So, for such a fast growing sport, why hasn’t padel made a bigger impact in some areas of the UK? From a planning and development perspective, the sport’s accessibility to a diverse population, alignment with planning policy through wellbeing, and space efficiency advantages make it a compelling choice for developers and local authorities.
As demand for padel courts continues to rise across the UK, Turley is receiving enquiries to advise on a variety of associated infrastructure types which support this growing sport. Notably, these courts are not limited to locations which already have an established sporting environment, such as a tennis club or leisure facility, where padel can utilise existing changing, toilet and parking facilities. Padel is now being considered in a diverse range of settings, including employment locations such as industrial estates and office campuses, re-purposing underutilised space within our city centres, such as multi-storey car parks, as well as more isolated locations where padel/ sport would be considered a new principal use. The sport is proving itself to be remarkably resilient and versatile. This diversification reflects the sport’s adaptability, flexibility and its potential to drive community engagement, promote health and support workplace wellbeing. Its accessibility advantage also extends beyond where it can
be sited, but also how easily it can be played. With a shorter learning curve than many other racquet sports, padel is an attractive choice for players of all ages and abilities, enabling the sport to easily fit into a variety of settings.
One of padel’s key advantages is its space efficiency and flexibility. In terms of providing for padel or accommodating padel within your development, the land required per court is 30sqm less than a tennis court and a third of the area required for a 5-a-side pitch. This affords for greater opportunity for padel in terms of delivery, as not only can a court be accommodated within smaller, more constrained locations, but padel can be installed and played inside or out, under a canopy or in open air. This is particularly advantageous if you are considering padel in land which is within Green Belt or a Conservation Area, for example, or repurposing existing assets.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) supports the provision for healthy and safe communities and recognises the value of sporting facilities to promote healthy lifestyles. Planning policies and decisions should plan positively for community facilities and sport provision. Aligning to Sport England’s Mission, combating postcode deprivation should be considered to be a top priority for planning for healthy lifestyles; delivered through sport provision. Councils often have a sport provision strategy (or equivalent) which can be a useful tool to assess quantity and quality of sport provision within their local planning authority. Given that padel is fairly new in terms of demand and facilities, most councils are unlikely (at this stage) to have commitments
Padel’s adaptability makes it an ideal addition to mixed-use developments, activating underutilized spaces and promoting community wellbeing
and demand documented. Notwithstanding this, it is our experience that councils are willing to engage with applicants to discuss sport provision and are receptive to applications for padel courts.
Despite its rapid rise and significant advantages padel offers, it still faces challenges in reaching new areas across the UK. One of the key hurdles is the lack of familiarity or awareness among local communities and stakeholders, but also infrastructure requirements and vocalised demand.
Whether you are planning for one padel court or 10, indoors or outdoors, there are a number of factors that the development proposal will have to consider as part of the preparation of a planning application. As well as gauging the supporting infrastructure – such as parking, changing rooms and toilets – assessing the surrounding context is key. This includes evaluating the compatibility of your proposal with nearby land uses and how it integrates into the existing landscape.
Site-specific designations, such as green belt, conservation areas, or proximity to listed buildings will need to be taken into account alongside practical considerations like lighting and noise, which can impact both local ecology and the amenity, as well as wider legislative requirements, such as achieving measurable biodiversity net gain.
We advise that a comprehensive planning application should always be prepared and this
includes pre-application engagement, not only with the local planning authority, but also with local stakeholders and interested parties. We advocate early engagement and this provides opportunities to evolve the proposal and often reduces the determination process duration.
Sport England will be one of the statutory consultees in the determination of any planning application. It is important to note that Sport England is unlikely to support a padel proposal if it includes the loss of any other sport provision.
As the popularity of padel continues to rise, it presents a significant opportunity to reimagine how we can integrate sport into our communities. Padel is beginning to transcend typical sector benefits beyond wellbeing and offers innovative ways to activate underutilised spaces. Could we see a court in every community? Perhaps. One thing is certainly clear – a trend has been set – and we are excited to see which other sports may also follow in padel’s footsteps.
Turley is an independent advisor offering expert services for the built environment and beyond. The company boasts expertise in design, economics, EIA, expert witness, heritage, planning, strategic communications and sustainability & ESG. For more information please visit turley.co.uk or follow Turley on LinkedIn.
With participation skyrocketing and courts springing up in diverse locations, how can the padel sector ensure it becomes a permanent fixture in the UK’s sporting and corporate ecosystems? Rohit Grewal, founder of Property+Padel, says that planning and location selection will play a crucial role
The padel boom in the UK reflects its global appeal. Accessible, social and suitable for players of all ages and abilities, the sport has captured the imagination of everyone from grassroots enthusiasts to high-profile figures like David Beckham and Stormzy. We know that padel courts in the UK are seeing unprecedented demand. One report estimates that UK courts get 5,280 hours of usage every day. This surge in popularity signifies the sport’s potential to rival other mainstream activities in terms of cultural and economic impact. Emerging markets such as the US and Middle East also show immense promise, but the UK remains a focal point for innovation and growth. With organisations like Game4Padel, Padium, Padel Social Club, PadelStars, and Rocket Padel leading the charge, the sport’s infrastructure is expanding, offering unique opportunities for partnerships, real estate development and integration with other industries.
recognise the sport’s potential to engage customers and employees alike. For instance, installing courts in health clubs enhances membership value, while retail destinations can use padel as an experiential offering to attract foot fall.
Partnerships between padel and other sports are also worth noting. Golf clubs, for example, are increasingly incorporating padel courts into their facilities, leveraging the sport to attract a broader demographic. Game4Padel’s collaboration with Goals Soccer Centres showcases shared infrastructure driving engagement, while operators like Rocket Padel are redefining indoor padel experiences with large-scale venues that include amenities such as bars, bistros, and spectator areas. Padium, on the other hand, exemplifies premium indoor padel facilities with state-ofthe-art courts and luxury amenities, appealing to both recreational players and corporate clients.
Padel’s cross-industry potential Padel’s adaptability lends itself to integration with various operations and industries. Health clubs, retail spaces and corporate facilities are prime examples of environments where padel can thrive. Forward-thinking companies are beginning to
The real estate market presents both opportunities and challenges for padel in the UK. Indoor courts, while offering all-weather play and a premium experience, often face high rents in retail and industrial sites. These financial pressures can limit accessibility and expansion, particularly in
urban areas where demand is highest. Operators like Padel Social Club and PadelStars have focused on building community-centric clubs that maximise accessibility and engagement through innovative programming and digital platforms.
Outdoor courts, while more cost-effective, bring their own set of challenges. Weather can be a limiting factor, but innovative solutions such as canopies and semi-enclosed structures are helping to bridge the gap. Planning regulations can also pose hurdles, with councils sometimes slow to adapt to the sport’s growth and potential. Overcoming these barriers requires collaboration between operators, developers, and local authorities to create sustainable and scalable models.
Technology has played a pivotal role in padel’s rapid growth. Apps like Playtomic make it easy for players to find courts, book sessions and connect with others, enhancing accessibility and building a sense of community. These platforms also provide operators with valuable data on player preferences
Innovative spaces like health clubs, retail hubs, and o ce campuses showcase padel’s adaptability and potential to drive engagement
and facility usage, enabling better decision-making.
In terms of demographics, padel attracts a diverse audience. Young professionals, families, and retirees alike are drawn to the sport’s social and inclusive nature. Urban areas like London and Manchester are seeing the fastest growth, but smaller towns are beginning to embrace padel as well. Understanding these demographics helps operators tailor their offerings to maximise appeal and engagement.
Corporate networking and padel’s role as “the new golf”
The rise of padel isn’t just about recreation; it’s also making waves in the corporate world. Dubbed “the new golf,” padel is becoming a preferred sport for networking, fostering connections and team-building. Events like Property+Padel are at the forefront of this trend, using the sport as a platform to bridge industries such as real estate and sports. By combining expert panels, networking opportunities, and on-court activities, these events highlight padel’s versatility and its potential to bring together professionals from diverse fields.
For padel to cement its position as a mainstream sport in the UK, several challenges must be addressed. Education and awareness are key, as many potential players and investors are still unfamiliar with the sport. Initiatives to showcase padel’s benefits – from its accessibility to its ability to foster community – are essential. Additionally, creating sustainable financial models is crucial. Partnerships with brands, corporate sponsors and local government can help mitigate costs and ensure long-term viability. For example, Rocket Padel’s large-scale venues and Padium’s premium facilities demonstrate how strategic investments can yield significant returns, both economically and socially.
The future of padel in the UK looks exceptionally bright. Over the next five to 10 years, we can expect a significant increase in the number of facilities, with operators focusing on both urban hubs and suburban communities. Professional tournaments are likely to gain traction, further raising the sport’s profile. Moreover, as padel continues to integrate into corporate and leisure sectors, its role in fostering community and economic growth will only strengthen.
Property+Padel brings together two dynamic industries – real estate and padel – in a series of exclusive events designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.
Co-founded by Rohit Grewal and Ben Nichols, its mission is to create meaningful connections between professionals in both sectors, highlighting the potential for padel to transform urban
Padel’s growth in the UK is a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability. By addressing challenges in real estate, infrastructure and awareness, the sport can unlock its full potential. Integration with health clubs, retail spaces and corporate environments will further establish padel as a cornerstone of modern leisure and professional networking. As we look ahead, the opportunities are vast. Whether through partnerships, innovative infrastructure solutions, or events like Property+Padel, the future of padel in the UK promises to be as dynamic and exciting as the sport itself. With continued collaboration and investment, padel is poised to not only grow but redefine how sports, business and community interact.
ROHIT GREWAL
Rohit is the co-founder of Property+Padel, an initiative bridging padel with the real estate industry. With a background in commercial property and building surveying, he combines his expertise with a passion for sport to drive collaboration and innovation in urban development. Property+Padel hosts events across the UK and US, fostering connections and exploring investment opportunities in this exciting and dynamic space.
spaces, unlock new development projects, and create valuable partnerships. Through panel discussions, expert presentations, and networking opportunities, Property+Padel events explore the intersection of property development and sports culture, offering insights into market trends, investment prospects, and land acquisition challenges. Attendees range from top real estate developers and investors
to industry leaders in padel, creating a unique platform for collaboration and growth. Property+Padel held its first event in October 2024 at London’s Padium, and held its debut US event on 22nd January at Padel United Sports Club in New Jersey.
Those interested in staging a future Property+Padel event can get in contact via: info@property-padel.com
Understanding and engaging your catchment is key to the successful launch of your new padel facility – and we can help. Our reports and maps provide detailed analysis of the demographics and preferences of your local population.
How many people live nearby?
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What are the dominant Mosaic groups by postcode? For busy, buzzing courts, this is the insight you need.
Unlock the potential of your catchment and serve up padel success! Contact natalie@leisuredb.com to learn more.
As consumers are increasingly looking for environmentallyfriendly products and services, creating a sustainable padel facility can give operators an “eco-friendly advantage”. According to Adam Collier, Director of Sales at padel court canopy provider, Fordingbridge, canopy structures are a great place to start
One of the biggest attractions of covered padel is the fact that its courts merge the protection of indoor play with the benefits of outdoor play, and it’s one of the things that padel players love most about the game.
At the end of a stressful day, there’s nothing like connecting with others over a fast-paced padel game while appreciating nature around you.
Given this valued connection with the outdoors, it stands to reason that, given the choice, most padel players would opt for facilities playing their part in protecting that environment.
So, what can you do to elevate your padel facilities into ones that are truly sustainable?
Canopies are pretty much key to the success of padel facilities. Uncovered courts have an average
occupancy of 30-40% over a year, while covered courts average almost double that at 70%+. But any canopy structure is going to be a dominant feature, so you want it to blend sympathetically into your environment with natural materials or tonal colours.
Material choice is key. Timber structures can create an aesthetically attractive, high-end, natural feel and are the optimum sustainability choice – as long as your contractor insists on working with sustainably-sourced timber.
Build with durability in mind too. It’s why, at Fordingbridge, all our structures come with a standard 25-year lifetime guarantee. And if you opt for a metal structure – which we also offer - check with your contractor to ensure all materials are recyclable at the end of their life, as that’s the ideal benchmark.
At Fordingbridge, we offer several other sustainability services into the design and manufacturing process. Rainwater conservation measures are incorporated as standard into all our site surveys, while all padel court canopy projects are designed, manufactured and part assembled at our West Sussex head office site – significantly reducing the carbon footprint of any canopy installation. In addition, our unique OPAL 60 canopy fabric enables 60% light penetration to reduce the need for daylight lighting and conserve energy use – a win for your profit line and the environment. We see sustainability becoming an increasingly core consideration for those building padel facilities. Sustainability might have once been a tick box exercise for many clients, but we’re seeing it becoming integral to many client’s design choices.
Padel’s rise in the UK signifies its potential to rival other mainstream activities in terms of cultural and economic impact
For example, incorporating solar panels or green roofs and living walls into the design creates an exciting space. Solar panels can bring down running costs while living walls and green roofs enable nature to thrive on your site. Creating additional living environments on your site also helps meet biodiversity planning requirements and sends out a clear message about your commitment to sustainability.
The choice of lighting solution can have a huge impact on the success of a padel facility.
According to Ian Wilkie, Global Product Manager at Thorn Lighting – a specialist company serving the sector – sustainability should be one of the key considerations
Whether you are the club owner, designer, installer or facilities manager, it is important to select the most appropriate lighting solution for your padel facility. Care should be taken to achieve the optimum balance between capital and operating costs, by considering product type, installation, energy and maintenance. Opting for a sustainable solution can both help keep energy costs down and reassure customers that they are enjoying activities at a venue which takes environmental issues seriously.
Sustainable lighting installations should include energy efficient products with long life and high performance optics. They need to deliver light where it’s needed – ie. on the court – but not where it is not desirable, such as local residential properties or the sky. These requirements are outlined in the CIE:150 (International Commission on Illumination) Guide on the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Light from Outdoor Lighting Installations and Institution of Lighting Professionals Guidance Note GN01.
When creating a design brief for a padel facility, a good place to start is the lighting standards and best practice guidance. Padel follows tennis in many aspects with EN 12193: 2018 Sports Lighting and SLL Sports Lighting Guide 04 both including recommendations for horizontal illuminance, uniformity, glare rating and minimum colour temperature for both indoor and outdoor facilities. The LTA and ITF also have good
Thorn Lighting has nearly 100 years of experience in manufacturing and developing technologies to suit all aspects of a padel project – not only the court, but also the pathways, roads, car park and clubhouse
guidance documents with detailed requirements for tennis, many of which are transferable to padel.
Regardless of whichever standard is applied, there are a number of common design considerations. These include the following three main areas:
Appropriate horizontal and vertical illuminance with good uniformity at the playing area, free of shadows. Also good glare control is important, to allow players to concentrate on the game and spectators to enjoy watching, without any discomfort.
Light colour temperature (CCT) and colour rendition (CRI) should suit the space. Typically, between 3000K and 5700K with a CRI > 70 for outdoors and > 80 for indoors. 3000K has a warmer appearance and is well suited to playing areas close to wildlife habitats and residential areas, whereas 5700K is used for the highest competition standards.
It perhaps goes without saying that LED is the light source of choice for sports floodlighting, due to the high efficiency, long life and ability to instantly switch and control.
Products should be robust and resistant to local weather conditions, whether extreme heat or extreme cold, with appropriate high IP and IK ratings, typically IP66 and IK08. The use of high grade aluminium and glass covers helps to protect against corrosion with a good target being ISO 9223 Class C5 for the highest protection.
There are many global schemes for measuring sustainability, such as EcoVadis and Cradle to Cradle. Thorn Lighting and parent Zumtobel Group work with these and also within the Circular Design Rules, providing Environmental Product
Declarations (EPDs) to guarantee solutions have traceable and measurable sustainability values.
CONTROLS & CONNECTIVITY
Combining floodlights with connected solutions to suit the demands of padel applications brings many benefits. The use of lighting controls (switching or dimming for different light levels) can ultimately reduce energy and cost.
Some of the benefits of including lighting controls in your project:
● Fine-tuning of desired lighting levels
● Energy savings when compared to conventional technology
● Reduction of light pollution
● Lowering of carbon emissions
● Lowering of operation costs
An estimated 330 million tennis balls are made each year, with the majority ending up in landfill. Circularball, an initiative by hubba, is a recycled ball company, dedicated to tackling the ‘little yellow problem’
As padel grows across the UK, it inevitably creates a larger carbon footprint and increased waste – which in turn add to the issues around climate change.
One of the challenges is what the LTA, padel’s governing body, calls ‘it’s little yellow problem’. In short, the padel ball is joining the tennis ball in being one of the biggest environmental culprits in the sport.
Globally, it is estimated that around 330 million tennis balls are produced each year – there is no accurate data for padel – and the majority of these end up in landfill. For scale, 20,000 balls create a tonne of waste.
Change is possible, however – and waste management specialists hubba is one of those leading the way in the UK. The business has formed a partnership with Price of Bath, the last remaining ball manufacturer in the UK, to create Circularball. The aim is ambitious – to lead a revolution on the recycling of padel and tennis balls. Circularball – which already has approval from the International Tennis Federation and International Padel Federation (FIP) – is a recycled ball which uses up to 42% of material from used balls. In addition to the recycled balls, they also provide solutions to repressurise balls to give them a ‘second chance’ and thus reduce the number of balls going to landfill.
As part of the circular economy ethos, there is a ‘rent-a-ball’ service. Venues can buy personalised Circularball-recycled balls with their logo on them. The facility then rents (or sells) the balls to their members and they are used until they are unplayable. Once the balls are at the end of their life, clubs send them to be re-pressurised and they are then returned to be used again.
The revolution is slowly taking place. Hubba, through Circularball, is currently working with the LTA and on a trial initiative with 15 tennis venues. This is due to conclude soon and the trial has provided useful insights in terms of costs
The balls use up to 42% of material from used balls
and logistics and buy-in. What it has also done is see hubba turn its focus to the growing padel sector as this is more commercially driven than tennis.
However, Damian Fuller, a tennis coach and business development consultant for hubba – who is passionate about sport-specific waste management – says there are two challenges. One is financial. Hubba needs to cover the costs to make this viable. The second is the need for a change in mindset among those in the sector.
“In the tennis sector, we began with a subscription service as well as a flat rate charge once a club had collected 2,500 balls – but we had pushback on that,” Fuller reveals.
“Consequently, we have been looking for a more cost effective collection solution, which works with sending 400 balls back at a time for a lower cost. Ideally, we would like to secure a partner or sponsor that can offset these costs so that we can provide the service free to clubs and facilities as that would see more take up.”
www.circularball.com
For more details about Circularball contact - support@hubbauk.com or visit: www.circularball.com
Qualified coaches can help inspire young people take up padel, while also ensuring that there is a talent pathway in place for players who want to play competitively. The LTA has plans to create a coaching framework which will go up to Level 5
Akey role of the LTA, as national governing body (NGB), is ensuring there are enough accredited, good quality coaches and activators to service the increasing number of venues and players. The NGB’s aim is to grow the number of padel coaches and activators to 700 by the end of 2026.
To fulfil this target, the LTA padel qualification pathway and activator strategy are being developed to help encourage more people to get into coaching and facilitating play, and to help those already doing this to take their offer to the next level.
The current padel coach education offer comprises the ‘LTA Padel Instructor’ (Level 2) qualification, as well as multiple five-hour, continuous professional development (CPD) workshops on a range of topics, including How to Coach the Double Glass and The Physical, Tactical, and Technical Tools to Coach Females Padel. There is also a one day Introduction to Padel Coaching CPD to upskill tennis coaches and help them take the first step toward coaching padel.
(level 5) qualifications. Another key workstream is to develop a Padel Activator workshop to grow the army of facilitators in venues around the country.
The LTA also recognises that many coaches operating in Britain already hold international or non-LTA qualifications. As a result, it is in the process of developing the LTA ‘Passport’ courses, which aim to recognise prior competence, experience and training and will allow coaches to enter at the appropriate level of the LTA’s Qualification pathway.
12-time world champion Iciar Montes partners with the LTA
In time, the aspiration is for the padel qualification pathway to evolve with the industry to have five levels of qualification, aligning with the tennis pathway.
The starting point will be LTA Padel Assistant (level 1), which is a qualification to train high quality on-court helpers. The current Padel Instructor qualification sits at level 2, and the LTA Padel Coach (level 3) qualification is already in development. When the growth of padel is ready, the LTA will develop and launch the LTA Senior Padel Coach (level 4) and the LTA Master Padel Coach
The LTA says that, during 2025, its Coach Education and Qualifications team will focus on padel. As a result, there will be multiple exciting opportunities for coaches to enhance their knowledge and skills. For example, the LTA has partnered with leading content creator, Iciar Montes, who was world number 1 for 12 years, holds the record for the most world championship titles and is the current Spanish women’s national coach. Iciar’s expertise and knowledge, along with that of others including former GB player and National Performance Pathway Manager, Libby Fletcher, will be integrated into the content and curriculum of the LTA Qualifications and training, ensuring that the offer via LTA Qualifications and CPD is world class and built in collaboration with the very best in the Padel world. With such an array of coach education on offer and the world’s best padel experts and players as part of the team behind the development, the LTA hopes to address both quality and quantity when it comes to training and education for padel coaches and activators in Britain.
Quality coaching is crucial to driving padel in the UK. Lou Crossland, Chief Commercial O cer at CoverMe, explains how digital solutions can help recruit and retain the best talent
Coaches play a critical role in the growth of padel in the UK. High quality coaches welcome beginners to the sport, support players to develop and progress and ultimately ensure all players have a positive and engaging experience. Yet, with the physical activity sector already facing staffing challenges, padel facilities are under pressure to not only attract but also retain skilled coaches. Much of the physical activity sector still relies on outdated practices, such as phone calls, spreadsheets and WhatsApp groups. These are used to manage everything from staff schedules, covering gaps due to sickness and holidays, as well as tracking qualifications and insurance. It’s an incredibly time consuming and inefficient way of working for both managers and coaching staff. Padel operators would be advised to look to new digital solutions to streamline their staff management, so they can focus on delivering high standards and a great customer experience. This includes solutions like CoverMe, which was created by physical activity professionals to address these very issues. By simplifying recruitment, scheduling and credential management, and recognising and rewarding team members, our app is helping operators overcome the sector’s ongoing staffing challenges. Here are some key factors operators should consider when looking to recruit and retain quality coaches:
Padel operators need access to a wide network of qualified coaches in their area if they are to operate
their facilities successfully. This will allow them to invite skilled coaches to audition days or to apply for specific roles. New technology can help operators source new talent effectively and efficiently. The LTA provides a web-based “find a coach” service which can be accessed here: www.lta.org.uk/play/find-a-coach/
Finding last-minute coaching cover is an ongoing issue for the industry. Look for a tool that simplifies the process, connecting operators with qualified and vetted coaches and identifies the most suitable freelance coaches – including availability and location. That way, even if a coach falls ill or is unavailable, players won’t face cancellations or disruptions in their training schedules.
Consistent and efficient communication between facility managers and coaches is vital to the smooth running of any padel facility. There are solutions that allow managers to send updates and announcements directly to their coaching team to inform them about changes to schedules, policies or facility updates. Serco Leisure uses CoverMe to manage staff across its three sites in Kent. Serco’s National Commercial Programming Manager said: “It can get very messy and diluted when you’re using different forms of communication – some coaches and instructors want to be contacted via group chats, others don’t, some prefer email and some like a phone call. It’s easy to make a mistake when the messages aren’t in one place.”
Coaching and workforce development play a pivotal role in shaping not only player journeys but also the success of clubs and academies.
This is where digital solutions, such as Matchable and Racquet-Link, can really play a part
Padel is more than just a sport – it’s a rapidly growing community that thrives on accessibility, innovation and the quality of its coaching.
As part of this, the padel sector is increasingly embracing digital platforms, creating an efficient, connected and thriving ecosystem.
Having dedicated and skilled coaches is crucial. From helping beginners to pick up their first racket to guiding seasoned players refine their techniques, coaches are the cornerstone of player development. However, managing coaching talent is no small feat. Clubs face challenges such as recruitment, scheduling conflicts, skill alignment, and long-term retention.
This is where platforms like Matchable and RacquetLink step in to transform how clubs and coaches interact, ensuring that workforce management supports – not hinders – the growth of the sport.
Matchable: revolutionising booking and academy automation
Matchable was born out of the need to simplify and streamline operations for sports clubs overwhelmed by the surge in demand for lessons. Matchable is more than a booking platform – it’s a marketplace connecting clients with trainers and sports venues. With features such as real-time availability, instant booking and an academy-automation tool, Matchable makes managing sports academies effortless. Trainers gain a streamlined way to organize their schedules and attract new clients, while clubs can focus on providing quality training. Matchable’s unique dashboard even allows clubs to request professional trainers from a
curated database. By eliminating administrative burdens and providing analytics for performance tracking, Matchable empowers clubs and coaches to enhance operational efficiency and player engagement.
Complementing Matchable’s operational excellence, Racquet-Link specialises in recruitment and talent development. As a recruitment partner for Matchable, Racquet-Link connects qualified coaching talent with clubs and academies worldwide. Whether it’s sourcing elite coaches for high-performance programs or recruiting trainers for grassroots initiatives, Racquet-Link ensures the right fit for every need.
Racquet-Link is also more than a recruitment tool – it provides consulting services and training resources to help clubs retain and develop their workforce. This focus on long-term workforce strategy aligns with the broader goals of fostering player development and ensuring sustainable growth for the sport.
Together, Matchable and Racquet-Link are addressing the immediate and long-term challenges in racquet sports. Matchable simplifies the day-to-day operations of booking and academy management, while Racquet-Link ensures the industry has access to a pipeline of talented coaches. This partnership creates an ecosystem where players, coaches, and clubs can thrive together. For clubs, this means less friction in operations and access to top-tier coaching talent. For coaches, it opens doors to career opportunities that align with their skills and goals. And for players, it ensures access to high-quality training, fuelling their passion and growth in the sport.
For more information, see: www.racquet-link.com or getmatchable.com
As padel operators rush to build new facilities to match demand for courts, Merlin Insurance Brokers, SAPCA’s insurance partner, highlights why quality of build should never be compromised
Padel tennis is experiencing an extraordinary boom in the UK. Once a niche pastime, it has rapidly captured the attention of sports enthusiasts and recreational players alike. With its easy-to-learn rules, accessibility to all ages, and fun, fast-paced nature, it’s no wonder the sport is making waves across the country.
However, with the surge in popularity comes a pressing challenge: the demand for padel tennis courts is far outpacing the supply.
As insurance brokers, we are closely monitoring the exciting padel sector and are proud to be affiliated with the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), the leading body for the design and construction of sports facilities in the UK. As demand accelerates, it is important for those designing and constructing facilities to remember the importance of quality and standards in every aspect of court construction.
According to recent statistics, the number of padel courts has increased by more than 40% in the past 12 months alone. Clubs, local authorities, and schools are all jumping on the bandwagon to meet the increasing demand, with a wave of new projects popping up in all corners of the country. Unfortunately, however, the rush to build new courts can result in corners being cut. Building a
padel court is not as simple as laying down some lines and erecting a net. It’s a highly technical and specialised task that requires careful planning and expert construction to meet the standards necessary for both safety and performance.
While padel’s rules are simple, the design and construction of the court itself are far from it. That’s why it is important that padel courts should be built according to the standards specified in The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts For an example, padel courts require specific playing surfaces, lighting and netting. In addition, the need for glass panelling introduces an extra layer of complexity due to its specialised installation methods and the need to ensure it is safe and secure for both players and spectators – especially in high winds. Poor construction, sub-par materials or using specifications unsuitable for UK weather conditions can result in significant damage and safety risks.
As the demand for new padel courts continues to rise, there will inevitably be more contractors seeing an opportunity to enter the market. This presents a potential risk, if facilities are designed and constructed by individuals or businesses who may not have the experience or technical expertise in building such specialist facilities.
Our message to anyone considering installing padel courts is clear: always check that your contractor is a SAPCA member. All SAPCA members adhere to the guidelines outlined in the association’s codes of practice, which means facilities are built to the latest standards agreed with national governing bodies of sport. As each SAPCA member company is vetted before being accepted into the association, it means that all SAPCA members are highly experienced in the construction of sports facilities. They will also be familiar with the technical complexities and best practices involved in building padel courts and can ensure that every aspect of the project meets the highest standards.
As insurance brokers, we’ve seen first-hand the importance of ensuring the proper construction of sports facilities. When something goes wrong, the financial impact can be significant – whether it’s damage to a poorly constructed court, injury to a player, or financial loss suffered by the operators of the facility. Working with SAPCA members reduces the risk of these issues and ensures your padel court meets the high standards required for both safety and performance. Quality design and construction not only provide a better playing experience for athletes but also mitigate risks and ensure the longevity of these exciting new facilities.
There are a number of insurance considerations for a padel court throughout the build process
● During the course of installation, the contractor is generally responsible for replacing the court in the event of an insured loss under an annual ‘contractors all risks’ (CAR) policy similar to a general building contractor.
● Upon completion, the owner/operator is responsible for insuring the physical asset (padel court) in the event of an insured loss should they wish. However the operator should ensure that a suitable public liability policy is in place; should the operator be negligent in their maintenance of the court and this causes an injury to a third party, even if the operator’s negligence was only a partial cause of the damage they could be liable under the tort of negligence. Furthermore, the operator may incur defence costs even in cases where they were not negligent – a suitable public liability policy will respond to these issues and insurers will appoint a solicitor to respond on their behalf.
● It’s vital that the operators check the installation contractors have professional indemnity insurance in place prior to entering into a contract. Given the boom in padel over recent years there has, unfortunately, been an increase in ‘cowboy’ installers. Careful checks should be undertaken to observe defects in the courts/facility after installation. Unscrupulous contractors or companies may simply fold in the event of a negligent installation. The best way to avoid the issue is to use a certified SAPCA member when constructing padel courts.
● It’s important to ensure there is an insurance-backed guarantee from the supplier, this will indemnify the end client in the event that the court has manufacturing defects.
● www.merlininsurance.co.uk
Maintaining a padel court is crucial to ensure its performance and longevity – as well for the safety for players. Nick Harris from Replay Maintenance,a specialist in the field, outlines some of themost important aspects of court maintenance
Proper and regular maintenance ensures that the padel court remains in optimal condition for players and lasts longer. It involves routine cleaning, repairs, and checks for all court elements, including the surface, net, glass panels, structure and lighting. By staying proactive in maintenance, you can maintain a safe, long lasting and high-quality playing environment. While basic checks and maintenance can be carried out by the owner or club, more specialised maintenance should always be completed by trained and experienced operators and contractors. Over the next pages, we offer a breakdown of what should be included in any good padel court maintenance regime.
● Regular cleaning: The court surface should be cleaned to remove dirt, debris, leaves and any other substances that can affect playability. Use brooms, mats or specialised sweepers to clean the surface regularly.
● Fibres and infill: Ensure the artificial carpet fibres are standing upright by brushing them regularly. Also, brush any displaced sand from court edges to the central areas. Check the infill (sand) levels and de-compact or top it up as needed to maintain good playing conditions particularly in the high use areas.
● Repairs: Over time, the surface will age and wear. Check for splits in the joints and lines, uneven spots or damage and repair them promptly.
● Tightness: Regularly check the net for tightness and adjust it to the correct height. Verify the net is at 88cm height at the centre and 92cm height at the net posts (tolerance of 5mm). A loose or sagging net can negatively impact gameplay. Always keep the tensioning mechanism lubricated.
● Repairs: Check the net for any holes, tears, or fraying, and replace damaged sections promptly to avoid further deterioration.
● Posts and support: Ensure that the net posts are secure and stable. Tighten any bolts or fasteners that may become loose over time.
● Cleaning: Clean the glass or mesh walls to maintain visibility and prevent dirt buildup. Use appropriate cleaners that won’t damage the surface or create streaks.
● Repairs: Inspect the panels for any cracks, breaks, or loose sections. If the glass panels are cracked, replace them immediately to avoid safety risks. For mesh or wire walls, check for any loose wires or gaps.
● Seals: Ensure that the glass panels are wellsealed to avoid water or dirt penetration. Check the rubber seals around the glass and replace them if needed. Tempered glass has a high linear expansion co-efficient, so adjoining panels need a min. 3mm gap thus preventing them knocking into each other and breaking unexpectedly. Adjust the glass panels if they have moved.
● Check for damage: Inspect the fence or boundary mesh for damage or wear. Look for broken sections, loose posts or bent wiring.
● Clean: Clean the metallic structure with a damp cloth (no chemical products) every month to remove any dust and dirt; take particular care with bird excreta as this must be cleaned as soon as it is found.
● Fixings: Regularly check the nuts and bolts on the anchor plates and support posts. Do not tighten unless the bolts are loose.
● Rust prevention: Check for scratches, scuffs and rust spots and apply protective coatings or rust-resistant treatments as needed.
● Clearing obstacles: Keep the area around the court free from obstacles, such as rocks, debris, or overhanging branches, which can create safety hazards and potentially damage the glass panels and structure.
● Check bulbs and fixtures: Inspect the lighting system regularly to ensure that all bulbs are functioning. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and check the wiring for signs of wear or malfunction.
● Cleaning light fixtures: Dust and clean the light fixtures to ensure maximum brightness and visibility on the court.
● Adjusting angles: Ensure that the lights are positioned correctly to provide uniform illumination across the court. Adjust the angles if necessary to avoid dark spots.
● “Winterising”: In colder climates, special care should be taken during the winter for outdoor courts. Unless necessary, frost, ice and snow should be left to thaw naturally as trying to remove may cause damage to the surface and structure.
● Covering: Consider using a cover or net to protect the court from harsh winter conditions, such as heavy snow, ice or frost.
If you are looking to build, resurface or maintain your Padel Courts then Replay Maintenance offer a one-stop shop to meet all your needs.
Boosts the aesthetic appeal of your facility
Prolong the lifespan of your Padel Courts
Enhance safety and performance
Court Cleaning: Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Surface Repairs: Fixing areas on the court if damaged or worn out.
Installation: Assistance in designing, preparing and installing or replacing Padel Courts
Bartle House, 9 Oxford Court, Manchester, M2 3WQ
www.soulpadel.co.uk
Tel: 07961 310078
Soul Padel invites everyone to the court via our values of ‘Meet, Play and Connect’.
Our mission is to establish covered playing centres throughout the UK, connecting with communities and encouraging everyone to play padel. We are developing accessible, affordable covered centres that are great places to spend time and socialise.
Through ‘competitive socialising’, we will develop and enhance the sport of padel in the UK and embed the sport at a grassroots level across our communities. Our value proposition is founded on openness and community spirit, enabling people of all ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, skills and fitness levels to take up the sport of padel in a welcoming, fun and entertaining environment.
In critical aspects of affordability, skill and fitness levels, the barrier to entry for padel is low. Therefore, the UK’s addressable market for the sport is very significant. We aim to reach and serve a diverse and varied community base. Padel is a sport for everyone, and it has the potential to become a mass participation activity, enhancing fitness levels whilst improving overall well-being.
Mark Hewlett, Founder & CEO
soulpadeluk
Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel:
“At Soul Padel, we pride ourselves on being more than just a padel operator—we’re community builders. Our approach sets us apart from competitors by combining innovative facility design, affordability, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Whether it’s our partnerships with schools to introduce the next generation to the sport, or our work with local authorities to enhance community engagement, our focus is always on creating meaningful and lasting impact.
“By partnering with Soul Padel, you’re choosing an organisation that understands the importance of delivering not just courts, but vibrant hubs where people can meet, play and connect. We take care of every aspect, from designing state-of-the-art covered facilities to implementing programs that encourage participation at every level. Our team has the expertise, passion and vision to ensure padel doesn’t just grow—it thrives across the UK.
“With the sport’s rapid growth globally, now is the perfect time to invest in padel. Our valuesdriven model, combined with our proven ability to connect with diverse communities, positions us as the ideal partner to help you bring padel to life in your facilities. Together, we can make a difference — not just for the sport, but for the well-being of the people who play it.”
Unit 1, Lodge Causeway Trading Estate, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JB Tel: 0117 450 5199
rich.wingfield@surgepadel.co.uk www.surgepadel.co.uk
Since opening its first club in 2021, Surge Padel has become a leader in the UK’s fast-growing padel scene. With thriving clubs in Bristol and Harrogate, Surge is redefining the sport by offering premium facilities, expert coaching and vibrant social events. Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, the clubs create a welcoming environment where the sport’s social and inclusive nature thrives.
Building on its success, Surge Padel is actively seeking opportunities to expand its footprint across the UK. While its focus remains on providing world-class indoor facilities, Surge is also committed to partnerships with local authorities, schools, businesses and communities. These partnerships aim to deliver both indoor and outdoor padel spaces, ensuring padel is accessible to everyone and solidifying Surge’s position as the leader in UK padel.
Ideal properties for new locations include:
● 23,000–43,000 sq. ft. spaces
● 6-metre ceiling heights to accommodate regulation courts
● A minimum of 6 courts, with reception, WC and showers
● Proximity to affluent towns or cities
● Industrial units, new developments or shared spaces
Rich Wingfield, Managing Director
Surge Padel
surgepadel_uk
Surge Padel’s mission goes beyond facilities. By introducing junior coaching programmes, partnering with schools, and working with local councils, Surge is shaping the future of padel in the UK. With plans to enhance timetables, social events and coaching programmes, the focus remains on engaging communities and growing the sport sustainably.
By combining premium facilities with a strong community ethos, Surge Padel is paving the way for a bright future in UK padel.
For inquiries about partnerships or property opportunities, please contact rich.wingfield@surgepadel.co.uk
T H E C L U B S :
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SURGE G PA
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DEL HARROGATE PARK AVE, HARROGATE
DEL BRISTOL E CAUSEWAY TRADING TOL, BS16 3JB
Padel courts are springing up all over the country. Padel Book looks at some of the most recent facility projects
Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre is one of the largest pay and play community indoor tennis centre’s in the UK, housing 40 courts and a gym. In 2024, it also introduced three covered padel courts to its extensive facilities.
Following their opening in late 2024, the three padel courts at the LTA’s Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre have become a prized asset of the centre’s offering to the local community. The LTA worked with Plexipave UK and Trevor May Contractors to install the courts and Fordingbridge for the courts’ canopy coverings. Working closely with the team at Nottingham Tennis Centre, Fordingbridge
created a vast 23m x 35m triple span canopy to cover the three new courts with a single streamlined structure. Keen to create a striking look for their new padel courts, the centre opted for Fordingbridge’s ‘developed model’. This structure uses rolled CHS beams to create a barrel vaulted padel court roof. There are minimal structural elements left visible for a simple striking aesthetic. A close working relationship throughout the project was key to the centre achieving a successful outcome for its first foray into padel court provision. Steve Mills, General Manager at the Centre, said: “Working with Fordingbridge was a breath of fresh air. One of the most professional, respectful, and diligent contractors we’ve ever worked with.”
The covered courts have already seen significant usage, achieving an average of between 80% to 90% occupancy at evenings and weekends and block bookings from the University of Nottingham, demonstrating their status as a ‘go-to’ facility in the Nottingham area. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise centring on areas such as the quality of the surface and the canopy and how users can play padel in all weathers.
The introduction of the padel courts at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre has helped bring new demographics to the facility. With straightforward pay-and-play options as well as a variety of coaching sessions and school and university bookings, groups including those from older populations, non-racket sports players, mixed ages playing together and all ages of tennis players are trying padel for the first time and enjoying the physical, social and mental benefits the sport brings.
Mills added: “Padel has truly been a ‘game changer’ for the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre.
Over the past five months we have had over 2,500 courts booked and we’ve seen our usage grow to 66% occupancy. The courts look amazing and the canopy and floodlights have attracted existing players from around the region as well as a host of newbies to the sport! 2025 promises to be even better, with plans for three more courts, social sessions, and coaching all in the pipeline.”
The Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre currently houses 40 tennis courts – 15 covered courts, 13 grass courts and 12 outdoor hard courts. The Centre plays host to several high profile regional, national and international events throughout the year, including the Rothesay Open Nottingham. The Centre also boasts a fantastic disability tennis programme, with opportunities for visually impaired, learning difficulties and wheelchair tennis players to develop their skills and compete. The Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre is one of the LTA’s Regional Performance Development Centres (RPDC) – providing a world-class training environment for some of the best young players in the country.
SAPCA member, Portico Sport UK, has delivered a padel centre featuring 12 panoramic indoor courts in Ilford, London. Operated by Rocket Padel, the centre is one of the largest in the capital. As well as the courts, the centre features spectator areas, conference room, a warm up zone, bistro/bar and a pro shop.
Portico works with a fully integrated team of engineers and project managers to deliver padel projects across the UK.
With the demand to play padel far outweighing the number of courts available, an increasing number of individuals are looking to build their own, private courts.
SAPCA member, CopriSystems, is one of the companies to have experienced this trend first hand.
Sas Palframan, CopriSystems’ Business Development Manager, said: “We are witnessing a surge of enthusiasts who are exploring how they might be able to install facilities on their own property. While the issues of planning permission and access are still a challenge, when you factor in neighbours and narrow driveways, the most recent hurdle has been ensuring that we were never on site when the owner was in residence.
“Sometimes that gives us a very small window in the day (or night) to get work done but nothing fazes us and, on the whole, the private projects are a joy because of the strong collaboration with clients who tend to be as passionate about playing padel as we are.”
The Padel Project UK has opened a fourcourt venue at Darlington Rugby Club.
Padel players will be able to use the facilities at the rugby club, which include an extensive clubhouse and bar, changing facilities and function rooms. The club will offer free introductory padel sessions, plus private and group coaching, padel camps and tailored courses depending on levels.
Padel Project UK will also run tournaments, engage with the local community and schools and charities. The operator, which also has venues at Lowther Gardens in Lytham St Annes and Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, has an extensive WhatsApp community.
Padium, located at 10 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, is a top-end padel experience which is positioning itself as the market-leader in the capital. With the development costing more than £4million and the project taking almost 18-months to complete, the eight-court facility is within the heart of London’s business district.
The construction of Padium provided a set of unique challenges that ensured court manufacturer, SAPCA member Padel Tech, had to use all of its ingenuity to create the flagship facility.
Padel Tech MD, Paul Ross, says: “Without doubt this is our most challenging development since Padel Tech was established in 2016. We have built courts all over the world – from desert locations to Caribbean Islands – but this has definitely been the most daunting. It is a project which involved collaboration from a number of different stakeholders covering various and differing aspects.”
Padium is open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week. The cost of booking a court is £80 per hour (£20 pp) and bookings are made through the Playtomic app. Memberships are also available at £595 per year, which includes early booking access (14 days in advance, instead of the usual maximum of seven days) and a discount of 25% off for peak times.
“We host regular social nights and club nights which provide players with the opportunity to meet fellow padel enthusiasts, make new friends, enjoy some friendly competition and take their game to the next level,” Padium says.
In addition to the eight courts, there is also a retail shop with high-quality padel equipment and apparel, stylish changing rooms with complimentary amenities, and the Ace Bar for refreshing drinks and snacks. Additionally, the mezzanine floor provides a panoramic view of the courts, making it an ideal spot for socialising, enjoying a smoothie, or watching a game of padel.
St Ives Golf Club in Huntingdonshire has added outdoor padel courts to its facilities.
As well as pay-as-you go bookings, the club is offering padel memberships for those looking to become regular players.
In August 2024, Padel Nederland unveiled a large padel facility in Den Haag, the Netherlands. The venue features seven padel courts, two mini black courts, two single padel courts and two pickleball courts. The two single padel courts cater to those who prefer one-on-one matches, offering an intense and focused playing experience, which is also ideal for honing skills. Furthermore, the introduction of two pickleball courts expands the facility’s appeal, attracting a broader audience looking for diverse sporting challenges.
Padel Nederland’s aim was to create a comprehensive sporting venue ideal for padel enthusiasts as well as for corporate events, team-building activities and family outings.
In addition to the courts, it offers modern meeting rooms, extensive catering options and professional introductory lessons.
The opening marked a significant milestone for padel in the country, offering a premier destination for padel enthusiasts of all levels. The courts are designed for maximum playability
The courts are open daily from 7am to 9pm and can be booked at an hourly rate of £28. Racket and ball hire is also available for £8 per hour. The courts are among the first publicly bookable padel courts in the Hunts area.
“The courts have been busy already and there are coaching clinics and trial days for people that are new to the sport, or keen to improve,” the club said.
and player comfort, thanks to the installation of SAPCA member Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface.
According to Padel Nederland, it chose Playrite for its reputation for providing high-quality surfaces that balance performance and comfort. Matchplay 2 is an artificial surface designed to offer optimal ball bounce and speed.
During the opening event, players from various skill levels had the opportunity to experience the new courts first hand. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with players noting how the surface enhanced their overall gameplay, making matches more enjoyable and competitive.
SAPCA member Portico Sport, which specialises in the manufacturing and installation of padel courts, has renewed a contract to be the official court supplier for the prestigious Hexagon Cup, which took place from 29 January to 2 February 2025 at the Madrid Arena. It is the second year in a row that Portico Sport will be responsible for constructing the innovative and ground-breaking purple court that captivated the world of padel in the first edition.
“With its distinctive and approachable style, the Hexagon Cup court has already become an icon in the world of padel,” said Sergio Lewin, the event’s Operations and Sporting Managing Director.
first
Merseyside’s first covered padel courts, set to open at Queens Park Recreation Ground, Boundary Road, St Helen’s. The facility will feature four canopycovered courts and a modern clubhouse, marking a major milestone in the area’s regeneration.
With the leisure centre just a stone’s throw away, the new facility promises to integrate
delivers 22m span
Offering covered padel facilities, rather than uncovered outdoor courts, can boost occupancy from an average 40% a year to 70% a year – so it’s no surprise many clubs are now looking into their options.
Brentwood Padel Club is one club which has now covered its courts. The hugely popular Essex-based club recently turned to padel court canopy expert and SAPCA member, Fordingbridge, to help it retrofit a clear span structure over three existing courts.
Fordingbridge’s solution was a 22m-deep by 36m-wide canopy that would cover each court, front to back, in a single span to achieve a contemporary streamlined look.
The galvanised steel structure was covered in Fordingbridge’s unique Opal 60 fabric, which allows maximum daylight penetration. This
closely with the town centre and offer a fun, social, and physically engaging experience.
Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Leisure, commented: “As a borough, we see higher participation rates in team sports than anywhere else in the country. With a strong sporting heritage, it is great to see new opportunities to encourage more people to get active.”
The facility will be operated by Soul Padel.
creates beautiful light-filled playing experiences and minimises daylight lighting costs.
“The truly all-weather solution shields players from wind and rain and from harmful UV rays, enabling club members to get maximum use from the club’s facilities year round,” Fordingbridge said.
The Padel Club has submitted plans for a brand-new premium racket and fitness hub in Cheltenham. In 2024, the company opened a flagship venue at Gloucester Quays – following on from sites in Wilmslow, Cheshire and Greater
David Lloyd Clubs has applied for planning permission to replace three of its existing tennis courts at its Twickenham club with six padel courts. In a planning document filed with Richmond Council, the premium health club operator says it is also looking to add “associated lighting and canopies”, while removing existing tennis floodlighting and fencing.
If successful, the Twickenham David Lloyd Club would still have six tennis courts, alongside the six new padel courts. In its application, David Lloyd Clubs says: “Designed to stay true to the sport’s origins, these padel courts will feature a pillarstype structure, anti-injury mesh infill panels and 10mm approved glass resulting in attractive and minimalist aesthetics. The playing surface will be the latest technology in artificial grass, ensuring that these facilities will be attractive to everyone from total beginners to seasoned players.”
Manchester – and is now taking the next step towards expanding its portfolio in the south west. To be located at Cheltenham’s Festival Trade Park, the plans include four courts. The Padel Club has previously confirmed plans for padel venues in Wynyard Park in the Tees Valley (a five court facility), Booths Park, Cheshire (four courts) and Sutton Colfield.
Darlington Borough Council has granted planning permission for four padel courts at Blackwell Meadows, adjacent to Darlington Football Club and Darlington Rugby Club. The new facility will be open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. The courts are to be built on an existing car park and unused grassland. They will be enclosed by a 4-metre tall rigid fence with glazed panels. The plan is to work with the local council sports dept and the rugby club to target specific groups in need of access to sports - girls aged 14-18, disability groups, and those targeted by the council.”
Marble Arch London BID partnered with sponsors, Portman Marylebone, to bring a padel court to the heart of London’s West End for the first time. Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch took place from July to August 2024 and saw a temporary court placed at Marble Arch.
Working with the Central London Alliance, which delivered Padel in the City of London last year, the padel court at Marble Arch was designed to both introduce the sport to Londoners as well as promote an active lifestyle. It also aimed to showcase the inclusive nature of the game, working with All Out Padel, England’s first LGBTQ+ padel club, to encourage its members to try out the court at Marble Arch. The location was provided Westminster Council.
“We were delighted to launch Pop-up Padel at Marble Arch and provide a wonderful space for people to try out this great new sport,” said Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID.
“With sponsors Portman Marylebone and partners Central London Alliance we were able to bring
padel to the West End for the first time and make it accessible to the community with special discounts and sessions for local residents and youth groups.”
Lance Shacknofsky, Founder of All Out Padel, added: “In an age where people in the LGBT+ community can feel lonely or isolated because of the closure of gay venues or the trappings of the online world, it’s refreshing to see a sport that is bringing together people in our community and beyond in a very positive way.”
Located near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford Padel Club (SPC) thrives on community spirit and athletic enthusiasm. Founded by Javier Fernandez in 2018, SPC has grown into a Padel powerhouse which now boasts nine courts and a growing membership.
To cope with increasing demand, the club recently upgraded its nine courts using SAPCA member TigerTurf’s Advantage Pro Padel surfaces.
TigerTurf is a leading manufacturer of artificial grass and the company’s products meet international standards and are designed to enhance performance and aesthetics. SPC said its choice of TigerTurf underscores its dedication to providing top-tier facilities for its members.
SPC now has more than 24,000 registered players and has hosted 130+ tournaments, including LTA Grade 1 and 2, and FIP RISE competitions – as well as some of the largest women’s tournaments in the UK.
For years, Powerleague Birmingham has been a firm fixture on the West Midlands sporting scene, offering 17 floodlit football pitches for tournaments, meet ups and training sessions.
The five-a-side football operator has recently diversified its offer by installing padel court facilities at a number of its UK venues. One of these is at Birmingham, where it has added three padel courts.
Keen for the courts to offer a truly year-round play experience Powerleague turned to SAPCA member Fordingbridge’s padel court expertise to create an all-weather play experience compliant with all padel court standards. Offering a full ‘one-stop-shop’ solution, Fordingbridge designed, manufactured, and installed a steel taper trellis structure for Powerleague to create a vast 65m x 11m triple vaulted roof covering all three new padel courts.
Fordingbridge offers clear span structures up to 40m with no internal columns to create light, airy play spaces. The company’s Opal 60 roofing shields Powerleague players from rain, wind, and harmful UV rays, while allowing 60% daylight to filter through.
As well as fostering a strong grassroots community, the centre has established a busy corporate diary of events and has so far hosted more than 350 corporate team-building events.
“We have one of the highest level of court occupancy in the UK, with at least three courts daily for coaching,” SPC says.
Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club has submitted plans to install three padel courts at its site in the city’s Newbridge Crescent.
If successful, the plans will see two existing grass tennis courts being replaced with three new covered padel courts. The plans were submitted to City of Wolverhampton Council in late 2024. A statement supporting the application said padel was a social sport, which could “help generate more business in the local economy”.
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Over 30 years experience within international leisure and retail development, and strong relationships with market-leading manufacturers and suppliers.
SAPCA member, Orange Padel International, delivered four Orange Padel Supreme courts at Liberty Padel, a prestigious hockey club in the Netherlands. Certified by the Dutch Olympic Committee, the Orange Padel Supreme court is a playing surface engineered for durability, designed to endure the strongest wind loads and the ever-
Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club has added four outdoor padel courts to its facilities. The floodlit courts offer a full programme of coaching, mix-in sessions and competitive play.
“We have an excellent coaching set-up led by head padel coach, Guy Pearson, and offer a full programme of beginner and improver courses as well as private lessons,” the club says. “We run very popular weekly mix-ins for ‘improvers’ and intermediates and there is also plenty of opportunity for competitive play with
changing climate of North-West Europe. Built on a 1,200sq m plot of former grassland in Dongen, near the city of Tilburg, Orange Padel designed a layout that features four courts encircling a central social area, perfect for socializing both on and off the court. From breaking ground to the final touches, Orange Padel and its expert partners managed every aspect of the project in just eight weeks. The project has delivered the club with a striking blue carpet and lush green landscape turf.
internal box leagues, tournaments and matches. Our active WhatsApp community makes it very easy to find games and get involved.” As well as pay-as-you-play – with court fees set at £24 per hour – the club offers memberships. The padel-only membership is £20.03 per month, or £223 for the year. The membership qualifies for a big discount on court fees (£10 per hour) and allows for bookings to be made seven days in advance, instead of the normal five days. There is also a junior membership (£5.45 per month for under 13s and £8.59 per month for other juniors/students, or £61/£95 in advance).
The Padel People opened a new venue in Basingstoke in January 2025, featuring two portable doubles courts and a singles court supplied and installed by the team from PadelMagic UK.
The courts, at Winterthur House, located close to Basingstoke train station, are outside and uncovered, offering great visibility and footfall. Rackets and balls are available to hire through onsite vending machines.
The Grange Club in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, added two covered padel courts as part of a multimillion pound investment into facilities. The club, which also offers cricket, hockey and squash, as well as outdoor tennis and now padel, received a Quick Access Loan from the LTA Tennis Foundation to develop its facilities, with club funds and member loans making up the big investment.
A part of the Quick Access Loan agreement is the development of a community outreach programme that supports the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation’s vision of ‘tennis opened up.’ The club, which was also supported by Tennis Scotland as it developed its plans, already allows nonmembers to access its eight outside courts. It has
“Our new Basingstoke site isn’t just about playing padel; it’s about building a community,” Padel People said. “We know how social and addictive this sport can be and we want to create a space where everyone can come together and have a blast. With rackets and balls available on-site, plus an amazing team ready to give tips and guidance, we’re making it easy to enjoy padel to the fullest.”
Basingstoke will be The Padel People’s third venue joining existing locations in Wimbledon and Seddlescombe Golf Club.
now also opened up the new covered courts for Pay and Play, meaning more people in the local community can easily access racket sports.
The new courts will create year-round playing opportunities and enable the club to increase their membership. The padel courts launched in November and the club has seen a massive influx of new players. The Quick Access Loan Scheme is funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation, the LTA’s official charity, and delivered by the LTA. The loans have been designed to ensure there will always be financial support for facility investment in clubs and venues. The LTA Property team works with the venue to ensure the payment schedule is manageable.
Since the scheme launched in 2019, £13.2m has been invested across 114 projects. This includes 147 tennis courts, 28 indoor courts, 34 covered padel courts, and multiple floodlight installations.
Pure Padel has opened one of Manchester’s first indoor padel venues, boasting six premium courts. Located in a former warehouse in the Strangeways district of the city, the venue also features a pro padel shop – including racket hire, a bistro style cafe and bar, fully equipped changing rooms and showers and a raised mezzanine platform for customers to overlook a show court.
The club offers coaching with three qualified coaches and group lessons booked via Playtomic, for beginners, ladies, seniors and students. It can also offer private coaching seven days a week and is available for corporate and private functions.
This is Pure Padel’s second venue – the other being at Alderley Park, Macclesfield. The company plans to open a third venue – location yet to be revealed – in the first half of 2025.
Five-a-side football operator, Powerleague, is extending its padel operations with the opening of six covered panoramic courts in Manchester.
The courts – at Powerleague Manchester Nicholls, Dalberg Street – have been supplied and installed by Padel Courts Deluxe and SIS
The venue will be operational from February 2025, and also features a bar, clubhouse, changing rooms and showers. There will also be a full schedule of coaching and socials led by an in-house padel coach.
Manchester will be the third Powerleague venue, joining existing sites in London and Birmingham.
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SAPCA member, Smart-Space, has committed to creating more sustainable padel facilities which also enhance player experience. One of the operators that Smart-Space has worked with is Heron Padel, at the Heron Country Club in Brentwood, Essex.
Alex Bartlett, Heron Club Director, said: “Choosing a Smart-Space building was an excellent decision
Parkside Padel Club opened in May 2024 in partnership with housing developer Berkeley at its residential site, The Green Quarter in Southall, West London. Berkeley is creating a new neighbourhood with 13 acres of parkland connecting to the Grand Union Canal and alongside the Elizabeth Line, making it one of London’s largest regeneration projects.
Amenities already delivered include a gym, co-working space, cinema room, Italian coffee house, tree nursery, pottery studio and small business incubator units.
Game4Padel operates three uncovered courts on the site, which sit alongside Parkside Yards, the on-site community hub and café, and there are plans to cover the courts in 2025.
The courts are busy with residents and the local Southall community is beginning to embrace the new sport as well.
for both cost-effectiveness and speed. The PVC roof allows natural light in, and with floodlights, we can stay open until 9:30 PM, even in winter.”
Smart-Space’s commitment to greener materials and processes ensures that venues are not only functional but also a better option for the environment. For its padel venues, Smart-Space uses 2.95 k/CO2 per kg of recycled aluminium (compared with a European average of more than 8 kg/CO2 for ‘traditional’ aluminium).
Head of Community Engagement, Jags Sanghera said: “Berkeley really invest in community integration – it’s hugely important with a development of this size and scale that local people support it.
“We saw padel as a way of not only bringing residents together, but also bringing the existing community together to engage and use the spaces we have here. It’s been a real success story so far, and the new covered courts will provide yearround padel for everyone, whatever the weather”.
Independent advisor, Turley, successfully received planning permission on behalf of Game4Padel for the installation of two padel courts at Bloom Heathrow Business Park in West London. A previous application, submitted by Game4Padel, was originally refused by the local authority on transport and amenity grounds.
Turley was appointed to successfully deliver a
Soul Padel and Bolton School have teamed up to transform the school’s two disused shale courts at its Leverhulme Pavilion into a vibrant padel hub. The planned facility will be accessible to both Bolton School students and the wider community, representing a significant investment in local sports and recreational amenities.
Soul Padel, a leader in expanding padel across the UK, is working with Bolton School to create an inclusive facility that aligns with both organisations’ commitment to community engagement and accessibility.
The planning application for the proposed site is currently in progress, and local residents are encouraged to provide their feedback during the consultation process.
planning strategy to address London Borough of Hounslow’s concerns, with a revised submitted and planning permission subsequently granted in spring 2023. The courts are now built out, opening officially in September 2023, and are a valuable amenity at the business park.
“The project formed a wider suite of upgrades to provide exceptional Grade A, sustainability and wellness focused office accommodation at the business park to ultimately increase occupancy across the estate,” Turley said.
Philip Britton, MBE, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, said: “We will provide a fantastic new facility that will allow our pupils to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. This new venue will also be open for community use in the evenings, at weekends, and during school holidays, creating an inclusive sporting environment for everyone.
“We value the feedback of our neighbours and look forward to reading their views about the project when the Bolton Council Planning portal opens for comments.”
TigerTurf Padel products are engineered to deliver exceptional performance, providing optimal playing conditions for players of all abilities.
With outstanding durability and ease of installation, every TigerTurf Padel court is built to last. Experience
The Padel Pod prepares to launch two new sites
The Padel Pod has revealed plans to launch two new venues in 2025, to join its existing flagship venue in Crouch End, which boasts four courts, a sauna and creche.
First to open will be a two court venue at Shenley, which will be located next to Arsenal Football Club’s training ground. The Gunners are expected to be regular users of the venue, which features one court in a converted barn and the other in a purpose-built indoor structure. It will feature two panoramic premium courts from Hexa.
The padel boom in Cheshire is set to continue with two new indoor venues coming to the county courtesy of Destination Padel – a new operator in the sector. The company has opened the doors at a new indoor venue in Northwich, which features five courts from Portico – all with eye-catching pink turf. One of the five courts is a tournament-ready show court that will have black turf and a pink steel cage.
The centre, which is opened in December 2024, also houses retail and social areas, changing rooms, showers and also a work hub.
Destination Padel will add a second indoor venue to its portfolio in Handforth, which will feature three courts. More details on this venue will be released in due course. The company is looking to add a third venue later in 2025.
Other facilities will include changing rooms and showers, a cross-fit gym, food and beverage outlet and possibly a sauna and plunge pool. Predominantly pay and play, the venue will host events and tournaments plus a range of coaching options for groups and private coaching. This will be followed in Q2 by a rooftop club in Hackney Wick with two outdoor courts. These will also be panoramic premium courts from Hexa. Other facilities will include changing rooms and showers, a cross-fit gym, F&B outlet and a sauna and plunge pool in partnership with Hackney Community Sauna. This will be a play and venue and will feature tournaments, events, coaching and padel socials.
Sterling’s PadelPRO turns Padel Specialist’s Northwich site pink
Destination Padel, a stunning new padel venue near Northwich in the North West of England, has now opened its doors to players. The centre features four eye-catching pink padel courts, alongside a sleek black central feature court.
The vibrant pink courts were supplied by SAPCA member, Sterling Turf, recognised for its premium sports turf solutions. When the centre’s operator,
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Sports equipment and apparel giant, Slazenger, has opened its first UK padel club in Leeds –with plans for more than 10 further locations.
The club in Seacroft, Leeds, features 12 panoramic indoor courts, providing a setting for year-round play.
The centre also houses “luxury changing rooms”, an exclusive members’ bar and a Pro-Padel shop.
Operated under the Slazenger Padel Clubs brand, the venture is backed by Frasers Group, one of the UK’s largest retail groups, which owns the likes of Sports Direct, House of Fraser, Everlast Gyms and Jack Wills.
“Our world-class coaches at Slazenger Padel Clubs will be on hand to help players master their game, whether they are beginners or experienced players,”
Padel Specialists, looked for something unique to set the venue apart, it turned to Sterling Turf for help, which is able to create and supply its premium PadelPRO™ turf in any pantone colour required.
The fuchsia pink courts at the new centre are creating quite the buzz in the UK padel scene. It is the latest in a range of projects that Sterling Turf has secured, in which they have been approached to provide bespoke turf courts. These include an exciting new seven-court venue set to open in early 2025 featuring a unique blue design.
the company said in a statement. “We offer Intro to Padel sessions to welcome everyone into our community and tailored coaching for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to improve and enjoy padel to the fullest.”
CDL Business Park, Lower Road, Erlestoke, Devizes, Wiltshire
SN10 5UE
Tel: 01380 830 697 www.coprisystems.com
With over 35 years’ experience designing, manufacturing and installing sports facilities, it is no surprise that the boom in padel has been on CopriSystems’ radar for some time and they have become captivated by the passion to play in recent years. Tennis, cricket, football and multiuse facilities have always been at the core of the sports construction sector for CopriSystems but since installing their first padel court five years ago at a private residential property, the interest from investors in this highly sociable, dynamic sport has taken on a life of its own and the enquiries for courts, both with and without covered structures, are continuing to grow at pace. It became clear to Director, Rafe Colenso, that padel was taking off and reinforcements were needed in order to keep up with demand. He explains, “As sports fans, we have been drawn into playing padel and are fascinated by the rate at which its popularity is soaring. As sports construction experts, we are excited to be involved in the development of new venues and our business has had to grow quickly in order to keep up with the pace.”
In 2023, CopriSystems announced the launch of a new division of the family business with its own dedicated team of padel experts. The introduction of PadelSystems is a clear sign of the company’s commitment to the world’s fastest growing sport and they share CopriSystems’ commitment to use the highest quality materials, crafted to exceptional standards. Together, CopriSystems and PadelSystems are able to offer clients a full
Rafe Colenso, Director
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turnkey project, from planning and design to groundworks and installation, that includes a wealth of reliable experience and fresh enthusiasm.
CopriSystems have a bespoke approach to all their sports construction projects and padel is no different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and they take great care in ensuring that their padel proposal suits the specific site and surrounding environment, as well as your usage requirements and vision.
For further information or a free consultation and site visit, email sales@coprisystems.com
Quayside House, Dock Road, Methil Dock Business Park, Methil, Fife, KY8 3SR
Tel: 01333 422205
www.doesport.co.uk
About us
Doe Sport North Ltd are a leading UK specialist in sports construction, dedicated to the design, construction and maintenance of tennis, padel and pickleball courts. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and precision, we transform sporting visions into reality, delivering premium-quality facilities that inspire athletes and elevate communities.
Our expertise
With years of experience in the sports construction industry, we bring unparalleled expertise to every project. Our team of skilled professionals is equipped to handle projects of all scales, from private residential courts to large-scale sports complexes. We pride ourselves on our ability to combine technical knowledge with creative design, ensuring every court meets the highest standards of performance, durability and aesthetics.
Our services
We provide tailored solutions to suit every client’s unique needs. Our innovative court designs optimise playability and visual appeal whilst adhering with international sporting standards. We use premium materials and state-of-the-art construction techniques for precision and quality and to ensure long-lasting performance. Our efficient project management team will deliver on time and within budget. A range of comprehensive maintenance packages are available to extend the life of your courts as well and we also offer
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resurfacing and repair services to keep facilities in top condition. This is backed up by expert advice on care and upkeep for optimal performance.
Our deep understanding of tennis, padel and pickleball ensures we deliver courts tailored to the unique demands of each sport. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our work, from material selection to final finishes. Close collaboration with our clients ensures their vision is realised by providing personalised service and support at every stage. Sustainability is very important to us and we prioritise environmentally friendly practices, using sustainable materials and methods to minimise our ecological impact.
Doe Sport’s vision is to be the trusted partner for sports construction, known for our dedication to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction. We aim to foster a love for sport by creating exceptional facilities that inspire athletes and bring communities together.
We are proud to work with a diverse range of clients, including: private individuals seeking bespoke home courts; sports clubs and academies looking to upgrade or expand their facilities; educational institutions aiming to provide top-tier sports environments for their students; and local authorities investing in community sports infrastructure.
DOE are now bringing their many years of experience in tennis and sports surfacing to the fast growing sport of Padel. Doe can offer the best quality covered or uncovered courts from leading manufacturers to ensure a great Padel playing experience.
DOE are now bringing their many years of experience in tennis and sports surfacing to the fast growing sport of Padel. Doe can offer the best quality covered or uncovered courts from leading manufacturers to ensure a great Padel playing experience.
All courts finished with the highest quality Padel surfaces with leading LED technology to meet any floodlighting requirements.
All courts finished with the highest quality Padel surfaces with leading LED technology to meet any floodlighting requirements.
Doe offer a full turnkey solution which can include full design, planning, engineering and compliance with necessary statutory authority approvals.
Doe offer a full turnkey solution which can include full design, planning, engineering and compliance with necessary statutory authority approvals.
Arundel Road, Fontwell Arundel, West Sussex
BN18 0SD
Tel: 01243 55 44 55
Email: adamcollier@fordingbridge.co.uk www.fordingbridge.co.uk
A game changing partnership
Investing in a padel court facility is a big commitment and needs to put your facilities on the map for years to come.
That’s why at Fordingbridge, our expert team is by your side throughout and we:
● Offer complementary site visits to help you unlock the full potential of your facilities
● Work closely with your team to design bespoke padel court canopy solutions
● Manufacture your cover at our onsite factory using only the highest quality materials
● Manage the final installation to ensure a premium finish and minimal disruption
We are the UK’s leading padel court canopy providers and have been trusted by many of the biggest names in padel including the Lawn Tennis Assocation, Powerleague, Padel Stars and Smash Padel to deliver enhancement programmes. And we’re also helping local tennis and sports clubs across the UK to upgrade their padel facilities.
We’ve got you covered
Whether you’re installing from scratch or wanting enhanced protection for existing courts, you can trust our teams to deliver:
● Canopies that meet the highest UK technical specifications and quality standards
● Solutions tailored to your exact needs with bespoke structures, materials and frame colours
● Covers that last. All our padel
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court canopy structures come with industry-leading 25-year guarantees
Padel court covers revolutionise club facilities with many of our satisfied customers immediately seeing over 50% upturn in court bookings thanks to the all-weather protection they offer. And we make it our mission to always provide that additional ‘something’ that creates a truly memorable play experience and club environment:
● Our unique Opal 60 membrane allows for 60% daylight penetration – creating light drenched play spaces and ensuring significant energy savings
● We offer a raft of imaginative sustainability features to create enhanced environments – from living walls and solar panels to rain conservation features
● Our expert team can also help you identify additional ways to enhance facilities, from covered social and dining spaces to all-weather outdoor gym areas
● We ensure any structures can be seamlessly added to over time so you’re future proofed when you need to increase court provision, or if you ever want to convert facilities.
Feeling inspired? Get in touch today to turn your vision into a reality. We’d love to help you create a club you can be truly proud of.
Ready to smash your goals with a team that’s at the top of their game?
Working with Fordingbridge was a breath of fresh air! One of the most professional, respectful and diligent contractors we’ve ever worked with. Would highly recommend and certainly use them again.
General Manager, Nottingham Tennis Centre
Ready to smash your goals with a team that’s at the top of their game? We’re proud to design and deliver padel court covers that take your game experience to the next level. Get in touch today...
info@fordingbridge.co.uk
55 44 55
CDL Business Park, Lower Road, Erlestoke, Devizes, Wiltshire
SN10 5UE
Tel: 01380 830 931 www.padelsystems.co.uk
From private, outdoor courts to large-scale, multiple court indoor venues, every padel project is unique but the pride PadelSystems take in completing each one to the highest spec is consistent.
As a fully bespoke manufacturer, PadelSystems design facilities that suit the client’s requirements and are built to last, whether they are located in an area exposed to high winds, on top of a multi-storey car park, on existing tennis courts, in a wooded garden or a disused warehouse, and whether they are intended for international tournaments or private recreational usage.
In early 2024, they announced an exclusive UK partnership with Italian Padel. After extensive research into the European padel scene, PadelSystems chose Italian Padel because, like them, they expect top quality, innovative design, exceptional durability and safety above all else. Together, they are always looking to improve their product and are not prepared to cut corners in order to cut costs.
● 3,000 + courts around the world
● Premium materials
● Advanced, state-of-the-art technology
● Authentic experience
● Aesthetic impact
PadelSystems is not alone in partnering with a European manufacturer, but what sets them apart is their commitment to working together to develop customised facilities that are fit for the site they are going to be constructed on, not for the environment they are manufactured in.
Rafe Colenso, Director
Sas Palframan, Business Development Manager for PadelSystems explains, “We are really excited to be involved in the launch of new padel centres all over the UK that will help meet the demand to play and enable the sport to grow.”
PadelSystems are also working with existing sports venues who are welcoming padel as part of a strategic drive to diversify and grow their club. Sas says, “It’s great to speak to so many sports clubs who are embracing padel, integrating it into their membership programme and recognising that it can positively co-exist with golf, tennis and badminton for example, not be a threat to them.”
For further information or a free consultation and site visit, email sales@padelsystems.co.uk
Brooklands Drive, Wellington Way
Weybridge, Surrey
KT13 0NY
Tel: 07957 959675
Email:office@propadelcourts.com www.propadelcourts.com
PRO Padel Courts was founded in 2019. Our founder, Paul Regan, has worked in the global tennis industry for more than 25 years and has a vast network of clubs and coaches gained through his various high profile positions held within British tennis and through his management consultancy business. Paul has followed the growth of the padel industry across mainland Europe for a number of years and developed PRO Padel Courts to capitalise on its introduction to the UK market and its impending growth. PRO Padel Courts is now one of the UK’s leading padel court suppliers.
Quality is what PRO Padel Courts stands for. Quality products, quality installation and quality experience and customer service. If you are looking for the best quality courts on the market then you are in the right place. We have spent years reviewing padel court constructions and variations and never has there been a more prevalent term “if you buy cheap, you buy twice”.
Know your market - how we are different
We have a vast knowledge of tennis clubs and how they operate and understand club constitutions, committee structures and decision making and managing the club’s financial risks. We respect that your tennis club is a tennis club however, we can help you understand how padel could be a great addition to your club to help retain and attract new members and can help to sell the vision
Paul Regan, Founder
pro-padel-courts
PROPadelCourts
PROPadelCourts
to the wider committee and the membership with an empathetic and informed approach.
We are excited about the growth of padel - a fun, inclusive sport for everyone that is perfect to be played alongside tennis or other racket sports, or within a multi sport environment.
Private / residential court instalations
If you are looking to install a court for your garden then look no further. We have installed many courts for our private clients, some of which you can see in the ‘projects’ section on our website..
Come and join the padel revolution!
Unit 2, Harbour Road Trading Estate
Portishead, Bristol
BS20 7BL
Email: Paul@sterlingturf.com www.sterlingturf.com
Elevate your game with Sterling Turf’s PadelPro™
With hundreds of installations across the country, it’s no wonder that Sterling Turfs PadelPRO™ has rapidly become the go-to choice in the UK for both commercial clubs and private users. Whether you’re part of a bustling multi-court club or want to enjoy a friendly match on your private garden court, PadelPro™ is designed to enhance every aspect of your playing experience!
What sets Sterling Turf’s PadelPro™ apart from the rest?
It’s all about British-made excellence. Sterling Turf PadelPro™ is manufactured in the UK and meets the highest of standards, offering optimal ball response, traction and stability. Engineered from elite-grade texturised LLDPE monofilaments and developed with specific bulk density in mind, this high-quality allweather surface guarantees a faultless playing experience year-round both inside and out.
Paul Schurrer, Sales Director
sterling-turf-group
sterlingturf
sterlingturf
But wait, there’s more!
Not only do Sterling Turf manufacture elite quality padel turf, but they can also produce PadelPRO™ turf in any pantone colour required. Allowing the customer to reflect their branding on court.
And don’t forget about those finishing touches.
Sterling Turf can assist in bringing your vision to life. Whether it’s incorporating a club logo at the entrance or installing stunning landscape turf for social spaces, Sterling can suggest a turf to suit all needs and concepts
Gear up for an unparalleled padel experience with Sterling Turf – where quality meets customisation in every match!
Unit 1 Shepherds Grove Ind Est
Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2AR
Tel: 01284 336300
Email: info@surf-tech.net www.surf-tech.net
As the UK’s foremost producer and supplier of high-quality sports surfacing materials and equipment, Surftech Surfaces Ltd has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional products to some of the most prestigious sports venues both nationally and internationally.
In 2024, we proudly announced our strategic partnership with Orange Padel, a renowned Dutch padel court manufacturer. This collaboration combines our global sales efforts and unites two companies with a shared commitment to delivering superior product quality and exceptional customer service. Together, we are dedicated to providing outstanding solutions for sports surfaces worldwide.
At Surftech, we remain focused on upholding our values of excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standard.
Our courts are engineered for optimal playing comfort, featuring reinforced structures for an extended life cycle, low maintenance, and a fast, efficient installation process.
Every court is manufactured in full compliance with the standards set by the Spanish and International Padel Federation, as well as the World Padel Tour guidelines. We use only the highest quality raw materials, ensuring that
Director
our courts meet the most stringent European EN and DIN norms for structure, anti-corrosion, glass, artificial grass and lighting systems.
Choose Orange Padel for unparalleled quality, innovation and reliability in the world of padel courts.
Want to learn more or team up with a dedicated sports solutions pro? Drop us a line at sales@surf-tech.net – we’re ready to help!
Commercial Director, Craig Wilson, says: “We work with Orange Padel because we know their quality and service are top-notch – that’s our starting point! With years of experience in the international sports world, the Orange Padel team really knows their stuff when it comes to global markets and navigating the ins and outs of importing and exporting, making them the perfect partner for bringing padel courts to the UK.
“Their courts are built to tough standards and are some of the only ones that meet the regulations for installation in the Netherlands. Plus, with the UK and Netherlands sharing similar weather, these courts are designed to handle the extreme conditions we’re seeing more and more, so we’re confident they’ll stay strong and perform for years to come”
Surftech Surfaces are the UK’s leading manufacturer of coatings and systems for sports surfaces
Orange Padel International has over 20 years experience in engineering, designing and manufacturing Padel courts. Their courts meet all international, Spanish and World Padel Tour requirements - the new standard in the world of Padel
Mill Lane barn, Canterbury Road, Challock, Ashford, Kent
TN25 4BJ
Tel 01233 740574
Email gordon@trevormay.co.uk www.trevormay.co.uk
trevor_may_ltd
trevor-may-contractors-limited
Trevor May Contractors provides a range of specialised sports surface, related construction and landscaping services. We offer a turn key service and have worked on projects with over five different padel court manufacturers, giving us a good insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the different systems available. Our specialist team will work with you to select the most suitable padel court typeincluding a canopy roof with rainscreening where required - as well as the optimum padel playing surface. We aim to integrate the courts sympathetically into their surroundings with suitable lighting and access control systems. We work with private clients, tennis, netball and golf clubs as well commercial operators and national governing bodies and have a wide portfolio of installations that demonstrate our expertise - and what we could do for you!
Free quotations following a site visit are the first step to a complete package including design, specification, installation and after care maintenance. Where projects require planning permission, we are usually able to prepare and submit the necessary application, making the whole process as seamless as possible. Our approach is based on forging lasting partnerships and all work undertaken is covered by a warranty.
Contractors & court suppliers
AFP Courts
www.afpcourts.com
Tel: +34 93 611 6151
Courtstall Services Ltd
www.courtstallservices.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1454 889944
Doe Sport (North) Ltd
www.doesport.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1333 422205
Favaretti Srl
www.favarettigroup.it
Tel: +39 049 5380 535
Italian Padel
www.italianpadel.com
Tel: +39 030 968 6073
JB Corrie & Co Ltd
www.jbcorrie.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1730 237100
Leisure Surfaces (Cheshire) Ltd
www.leisuresurfacesuk.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1270 812112
MAC Groundwork Contractors Ltd
www.macgroundworks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1889 500592
MW Supplies Ltd
www.mwsuppliesltd.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1622 850085
Orange Padel International
www.orangepadel.nl
Tel: +31 621 660 259
Padel Systems
www.padelsystems.co.uk
+44 (0)1380 830931
Padel Tech Ltd
www.padeltech.co.uk
+44 (0)131 581 8683
Pavescape Sports Surfaces
www.pavescapesportssurfaces.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1423 862100
Portico Sport UK
www.porticosport.uk
+44 (0)161 989 9843
Premier Sports Surfaces
www.premiersportssurfaces.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1245 380158
PRO Padel Courts Ltd
www.propadelcourts.com
Tel: +44 (0)7957 959675
Ream Padel Sport
www.reampadelsport.com
Tel: +44 (0)1423 876329
S & C Slatter Ltd
www.sandcslatter.com
Tel: +44 (0)1635 34521
SG Padel
www.sgpadel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1268 205646
Sportfields Ltd
www.sportfields.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1275 845499
SurfTech Surfaces Ltd
www.surf-tech.net
Tel: +44 (0)1284 336300
Trevor May Contractors Ltd
www.trevormay.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1233 740574
Playing surfaces
ACT Sports
www.bintg.com
Tel: +32 5662 5900
JUTA a.s.
www.jutagrass.cz
Tel: +420 725 423 344
Leigh Spinners Ltd
www.leighspinners.com
Tel: +44 (0)1942 673232
Playrite
www.playrite.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1924 412488
Polytan Sports Surfaces (UK) Ltd
www.polytan.com
Tel: +44 (0)1509 642710
Sterling Turf
www.sterlingturf.com
Tel: +44 (0)1275 235133
Tarkett Sports
www.tarkettsports.com
Tel: +44 (0)7803 007984
TigerTurf (UK) Ltd
www.tigerturf.com/uk
Tel: +44 (0)1299 253966
Canopies & structures
CopriSystems Ltd
www.coprisystems.com
Tel: +44 (0)1380 830697
Fordingbridge plc
www.fordingbridge.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1243 554455
GL Events UK
www.glevents.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1322 408248
Hallgruppen Ltd
www.hallgruppen.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 339 5180
Lauralu UK Ltd
www.lauraluindustry.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1827 215217
Neptunus Ltd
www.neptunus.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1604 593820
Rocklyn Engineering Ltd
www.rocklyn.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)28 9264 8344
Smart Space
www.smart-space.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1827 330000
Lighting
Carbon8Lighting
www.carbon8lighting.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1256 300031
Christy Floodlighting Ltd
www.floodlighting.com
Tel: +44 (0)1245 451212
Earlsmann Lighting Ltd
www.earlsmann.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1884 259917
Floodlighting and Electrical Services Ltd
www.floodlightingelectrical.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1443 226009
Kingfisher Lighting Ltd
www.kingfisherlighting.com
Tel: +44 (0)1623 415900
Musco Lighting Europe Ltd
www.musco.com
Tel: +44 (0)1942 811777
Powerplus Group Ltd
www.powerplusgroup.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)330 1200889
Thorn Lighting Ltd
www.thornlighting.com
Tel: +44 (0)7811 195262
Maintenance
Envirosport Maintenance
www.envirosport.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1704 384813
Global Maintenance Ltd
www.globalm.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)800 612 6474
McNab Sport Ltd
www.mcnabsport.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1577 864198
Replay Maintenance Ltd
www.replaymaintenance.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1636 640506
Sports Maintenance Services Ltd
www.sportsmaintenance.com
Tel: +44 (0)208 788 0123
SSP Maintenance Ltd
www.sspmaintenance.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1795 469642
Sustain Landscapes Ltd
www.sustainlandscapes.com
Tel: +44 (0)1207 581122
Technical Surfaces Ltd
www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)870 240 0700
Line marking
Avon Road Mark Ltd
www.avonroadmark.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1454 322766
Consultancy & professional services
David Morley Architects LLP
www.davidmorleyarchitects.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 430 2444
Hemstock Design Ltd
www.hemstock.design
Tel: +44 (0)7850 744957
Hoopers Architects Ltd
www.hoopersarchitects.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1473 212646
Labosport Ltd
www.labosport.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 968 1998
Merlin Insurance Brokers
www.merlininsurance.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 846 9300
Sports Facility Planning and Design Ltd
www.sfpad.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7770 366259
Sports Labs Ltd
www.sportslabs.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1506 444755
Surfacing Standards Ltd
www.surfacingstandards.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1536 400012
TSA Riley Ltd
www.tsariley.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8662 2200
The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts lays out the industry standards for designing and building padel facilities. Colin Corline introduces the document, which was produced in partnership with padel’s governing body, the LTA
adel originated in Mexico in the 1960s but the growth into the international sport that is played today really took off in Spain in the 1970s and has led to over 20,000 courts being built in Spain. In the 1990s a number of ex-pats introduced the sport in the UK. It has only really, however, grown significantly in the UK during the past five years. And the pace of growth has been impressive. At the start of 2020, there were less than 50 courts in the UK. Today, there are in excess of 700 – and the number is growing exponentially year on year.
standards, in 2020 SAPCA began working in conjunction with the LTA and a number of SAPCA members to develop the Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts. The first edition was published in March 2021 and a series of updates have followed over the past four years, as the padel market in the UK has matured.
The updates have been linked to specific developments in the UK market, such as the use of canopies and other covered structures. More importantly, they have also covered the design and safety standards for the elements used in enclosures, such as the quality of steel and aluminium, as well as the required thickness of the steel and glass.
When the LTA became the national governing body for padel in 2019 it was clear that, with the expected growth of the sport in the UK, there would be a need for some technical guidance in the design, construction and maintenance of padel courts. SAPCA’s close working relationship with the LTA meant that it made obvious sense to develop a Code of Practice specifically for padel courts. SAPCA’s Codes of Practice cover a range of different facility types and are not only written to form a basis for a minimum standard for our members to work to, but also act as guidance document for clients, consultants and commissioners alike.
Over the past five years, as demand for padel courts has outstripped recognised supply from within the sports construction industry, SAPCA has seen a considerable increase in the number of non-sport specialist contractors operating in the sector constructing padel courts. This has sometimes resulted in courts being constructed to an unsatisfactory standard. Therefore, SAPCA’s relationship with both the LTA and the wider padel market is extremely important to ensure that those designing padel facilities, along with companies constructing them, are fully aware of the UK’s specific technical, structural and manufacturing requirements in padel court design.
A great example of this is are the specific wind loading characteristics in UK, which differ from other parts of Europe. Along with variations in ground conditions, they lead to the need for padel courts – and more importantly, the padel enclosures – to be constructed with site-specific foundations designed by a structural engineer.
To ensure that padel courts are being designed and constructed to the required construction and safety
Through our continued relationship with the LTA and the expertise of SAPCA members, the fine tuning and updating of this Code of Practice will continue, as we adapt to the changes in market trends.
We forecast the exponential growth of the sport to continue across all markets. The commercial indoor market is growing particularly rapidly and we do not see this changing in the near future. The number of new developments at tennis clubs has been slightly slower, but there is no doubt that this too will gather pace. The other markets in which padel is growing include hospitality and fitness, with hotels and health clubs beginning to add courts to their offer to both members and guests.
There has been a growing trend for venues to use temporary padel courts on sites to ‘test the market’ before making a more significant investment in permanent courts. While this is seen as a positive way to prove a market for the sport, SAPCA has concerns that temporary courts should be exactly that – temporary. They should not remain in use for an extended period of time as this has potential impact on planning regulations – and additional maintenance – due to the structure not being designed for permanent installation.
For anyone considering the development of padel courts, SAPCA can help. We have members spread across the design side, supply chain and construction phase of a padel project. More importantly, on the construction side, our principal contractors that have been approved for the construction of padel courts are assessed regularly, as part of the SAPCA Quality System Inspection Programme. For more information on SAPCA and our members, go to www.sapca.org.uk.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA).
February 2025 (4th Edition)
The LTA
The Code of Practice for the Construction of Padel Courts has been produced in consultation with the LTA and is recognised and supported by the LTA for the construction of padel courts in the UK. The LTA are the officially recognised national governing body for padel.
The padel court
The LTA provides free advice and guidance on tennis facility development. For further information, please contact the LTA on 020 8487 7000.
The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) and the LTA do not accept any liability for the design or construction of any facilities, or the actions of any contractors employed, as a result of, or in connection with, any information provided in this publication.
Some sports surface system/products and designs, available to potential clients, may be covered by patents. Clients should ensure that the use of similar products does not infringe any patents held by manufacturers or installers. The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) and the LTA do not accept any liability for choice of surfacing systems or padel court enclosures infringing any current or future patents.
A padel court is defined as an area 20.0m long x 10.0m wide enclosed above ground with either solid rebound walls and mesh panels, or more commonly now a combination of glass and weld mesh rebound wall and fence panels, supported on steel or aluminium posts fixed to a concrete foundation with an artificial turf playing surface.
Total playing area20.0m x 10.0m (excluding the ‘out of court’ area)
Out of court area
Formation
Additional playing area outside the playing area within the enclosure adjacent to the net, on both sides of the court, measuring 8.0m long x 2.0m wide.
The prepared natural ground on which the court is built.
Base The foundation of the court, normally formed from graded aggregates over a geotextile membrane.
Drainage
The system of underground pipework designed to remove surface water from the playing surface and sub-base construction to a suitable outfall or external drainage system.
Asphalt binder courseA layer of coarser asphalt that is laid on the base to provide stability and strength to the finer grade asphalt laid on top of it; used to be known as the base course.
Asphalt surface courseA layer of 6mm asphalt laid either as the playing surface or as the receiving layer for a synthetic surface; used to be known as the wearing course.
Artificial turf
International Padel Federation
Enclosure
A sand dressed, or sand filled carpet manufactured from polyethylene or polypropylene yarn, normally of tufted construction.
The world governing body for the sport of padel
The above ground level part of the padel court that surrounds the court.
The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), in conjunction with the LTA, has produced this document to provide prospective clients, designers and specifiers with guidance on the basic construction requirements and specifications currently employed in building padel courts. The standards outlined throughout the document have been recognised and supported as the minimum level for the construction of padel courts in the UK.
The document calls on the experience of SAPCA member companies, who have constructed a wide range of installations for a variety of clients over many years. The requirements of the various sports’ governing bodies and the relevant standards organisations are incorporated, where appropriate, in the document.
While it is not intended that this document should become part of a contract, it is believed that it will prove useful in the selection of an appropriate padel structure and playing surface and form a useful reference in the design and construction process.
SAPCA will keep under review the use of the Code of Practice and will consider any suggestions for amendment, which should be addressed to the Chief Executive, The Sports and Play Construction Association, The Hexangle, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG. Revision to the Code of Practice will be made when such action is considered appropriate.
● This Code of Practice is intended for use by tennis and padel court contractors, sports facility design professionals and padel court purchasers and owners. The Code of Practice should not be used as a substitute for carrying out appropriate surveys and obtaining professional advice in individual circumstances. Although the Code of Practice has been produced by reference to padel courts constructed under normal climatic conditions in the United Kingdom, the Sports and Play Construction Association cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury howsoever caused arising from reliance on the specifications within the Code of Practice.
● The Code of Practice provides a minimum standard of specification and proficiency which members of the Sports and Play Construction Association are committed to meeting. As guideline specifications, however, they do
not supersede a reasonable interpretation of the specification and terms of contract applied in each contract. For individual projects, variations in climate, soil conditions, topography and other site-specific conditions may necessitate standards of specification greater than those recommended within the Code of Practice.
● Parties not experienced in padel court construction are strongly advised to consult qualified contractors and/or sports construction consultants. Details of experienced padel court contractors and sports construction consultants can be provided by the Sports and Play Construction Association.
● Anyone designing a padel court or a structure to cover a padel court must have the structural design calculations signed off by a competent UK structural engineer with the correct level of professional indemnity (P.I) insurance.
● The term “asphalt” is the internationally accepted technical name for all surfaces which are composed of a mixture of bitumen and stone.
● In accordance with common practice within the construction industry, the depth of any individual construction layer is specified within the Code of Practice as the nominal compacted depth. The nominal depth can be regarded as the design depth of a layer of construction within a tennis/padel court, within the applicable tolerances’ margins.
● In the interests of clarity and consistency, the minimum compacted depth is also specified, to define the tolerance on the design depth that is considered acceptable. It is intended that the consistent use together of the terms “nominal compacted depth” and “minimum compacted depth”, by contractors and consultants alike, will help to avoid any confusion when competitive quotations are being examined.
● The information contained within the Code of Practice, while accurate at the time of publication, may be subject to change at a future date. Due to changing technologies and new developments in construction methods, revisions to the recommendations are likely and only the most recent edition of the Code of Practice should be used.
As the recognised UK trade association, SAPCA fosters excellence, professionalism and continuous improvement throughout the sports and play construction industry, ensuring provision of high-quality facilities necessary for the success of British sport.
● To promote high standards of design, construction and workmanship for sports facilities in the UK.
● To regulate the industry through the vetting and monitoring of SAPCA members.
● To participate fully in the development of British, European and other standards for the construction and performance of sports facilities, for all levels of play.
● To liaise closely with the governing bodies of sport, both nationally and internationally.
● To encourage the use of new technology in the design and construction of sports facilities.
● To provide and support training and education for the industry’s workforce.
● To provide a strong voice for the sports construction industry in the UK.
The SAPCA website (www.sapca.org.uk) provides a wealth of valuable information for anyone involved in the development of sports facilities.
SAPCA operates through its own full-time administration. For further information, including a list of members, please contact SAPCA at the headquarters address below.
The Sports and Play Construction Association
The Hexangle, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Telephone: 024 7641 6316
Fax: 024 7641 4773
E-mail: info@sapca.org.uk
Web: www.sapca.org.uk
From the first considerations regarding the construction of a padel court through to completion, a clear understanding is required of the process. The processes and decisions that need to be made can be complex and will depend upon many contributing factors.
● Section one details some key principles to consider when developing a padel court project and also includes a checklist of specific points to consider when designing and constructing a padel court.
● Section two details the construction guidelines for a padel court from design through to construction. It covers such detail as dimensions, orientation, topography, drainage, base, foundations for the enclosure and type of playing surface that should be considered when constructing a padel court. It also specifies the requirements for the enclosure and the combinations of glass panels, weldmesh and rebound fencing. The general requirements of the playing surfaces are also detailed, including evenness, porosity, shock absorption and rotational friction. The diagram on the following page outlining the development of the project is designed to help potential clients make the correct decisions at the right times by looking at the ideal routes a project may take from proposal to completion and the information required at each stage.
● Section three details the sports lighting requirements for padel courts.
● Section four details the requirements for indoor structures or coverings for padel courts such as a canopy.
Project brief
Project feasibility
Site investigation
Design specification
This phase reviews the project brief and considers factors such as location, usage, funding, procurement and project management.
This phase can include the development of a business plan, planning application and, if required, funding applications. A consultant can be appointed during this phase if required, this will normally be for a large project.
Prior to the design phase a detailed site investigation is required. This includes topographical, geotechnical, electrical and drainage surveys. This may not all be necessary on a small project.
This phase includes the production of full design specifications and technical drawings.
Appointment of contractorIn this phase a review of submissions is undertaken. This includes evaluation and contractor selection.
Construction period
Project completion
Aftercare
This phase includes the construction of the facility. If required, independent quality control is undertaken to assess build quality and design specification conformity.
This phase includes handover of the completed project. If required, performance testing may be undertaken to ensure compliance. A maintenance regime should be provided by the installer.
Includes the ongoing maintenance programme and warranty period of the installation. If required, performance tests are undertaken to monitor surface behaviour.
Key principles to consider when developing a padel court project
● It is key that site specific designs for the padel court foundations need to be developed for each project by a suitably qualified UK structural engineer with Professional Indemnity (P.I) insurance. Specific padel court foundations and concrete ring beam dimensions need to be calculated to suit the local ground conditions and regional wind loadings which can vary considerably depending on the location within the UK.
● The impact of the facility on drainage and the surrounding area should be considered in line with planning requirements and the need for sustainable urban designs. Planners are now considering the impact of the constructed facility and its drainage capacity on the surrounding urban area and often the constructed area will need to have a positive drainage capacity uplift in the area the facility is constructed.
● Within UK planning regulations, all construction projects need to be designed in accordance with biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements. BNG is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development. In England, BNG is now mandatory under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021). Developers must deliver a BNG of 10%.
● The use of temporary structures can be considered, if they are planned to be used for a temporary period of time based on the recommendations set out by the relevant enclosure manufacturer. It is likely that temporary structures will require more regular structural maintenance than permanent installs.
● The use of temporary padel court structures beyond a specific time frame is questionable. The legal definition of temporary is a 12-month period. Temporary structures also need to adhere to the relevant UK structural engineer design requirements to ensure that enclosure failures do not occur. Furthermore, the use of temporary structures for an extended period of time, will involve additional maintenance and potentially require planning consent. As they are likely to be fixed to ensure structural integrity, then planning consent will be required.
● Temporary structures may still require planning approval based on their impact on noise to the surrounding area. If a temporary structure is being considered, planning advice should be sought from a specialist consultant or the local planning authority.
● The use of second-hand structures and enclosures should not be considered without an assessment of the condition of the court and the required structural calculations being designed and met by a UK structural engineer.
● Where facilities are being developed with multiple court numbers, consideration should be given to the layout and spacings between courts to ensure sports wheelchairs safe access and movement and Equality Act (2010) compliance.
● Different playing surfaces can be considered for temporary venues for more sustainable working practices.
Specific points to consider before proceeding with a padel court project
● Planning consent for the construction and installation of a padel court and/or covered structure will be required.
● Location for the proposed padel court should be considered in relation to noise and light disturbance to the surrounding environment and neighbourhood. A detailed lighting design will always be required as part any planning application for the construction of padel courts. If the location of the proposed court(s) is adjacent to residential properties (30m – 50m away) then SAPCA recommends that these reports are produced for a planning application for the construction of padel courts
● Position of the padel court and its surrounds should be suitable for player access (including sports wheelchair users) and ongoing maintenance, including maintenance of the playing surface and cleaning of the glass on both faces.
● The ‘Out of court’ play area and the potential need to include it needs to be considered in the design. Is it needed? Is there sufficient space? What is the impact on the design of the facility? The requirements for the ‘Out of court’ play area may well be impacted by the level of play at the facility or the need for specific levels of competition and advice should be sought from the LTA.
● The potential future or current requirement for the padel court to be covered, should be considered as the need for additional footprint and access to the area may become challenging once the project has been completed. There could be a significant impact on the layout of the courts, the canopy or indoor structure and the footprint required where future plans may include covering the courts.
● Based on the increased noise generated by the introduction of padel courts, an acoustic assessment will normally be required to support the planning application. Consideration should also be given to the use of noise dampening designs where the residential properties adjacent to the court(s) are considered to be sensitive to noise. SAPCA recommends that acoustic reports are produced for padel court planning applications in this type of locality
● In relation to acoustic issues with padel courts, SAPCA and the LTA have been made aware of padel courts that have been closed down through environmental heath concerns due to the intensity of noise created by the courts. All developers of padel court projects need to be aware of and consider the implications of noise to the local environment where the courts are being constructed. Even where noise assessments have been made and agreed in the planning consent, post construction, additional issues could be raised on environmental health concerns with noise
● The design of the sports lighting system to achieve the required performance criteria for the level of usage will need to be considered, along with the details for the type and specification of the luminaire being used and the mounting height. On the basis that lighting will be required for the padel court, a lighting data pack will need to be produced by a specialist consultant or contractor to support the planning application.
● All metalwork components used in the padel enclosure and/or covered structure should be designed and manufactured for the UK climate with sufficient warranty from manufacturer in place.
● The design of the concrete foundations for the padel court and/or the covered structure or canopy must have the structural design calculations signed off by a competent UK structural engineer with the correct level of professional indemnity (P.I) insurance
● The glass forming the padel enclosure must be 12mm thick for all outdoor courts or those covered by a canopy, kitemarked and must be specified within the design. For courts constructed indoor consideration can be given to 10mm glass.
● The arrangements for player access (including disabled and sports wheelchair access) to the court (on one side or both) should be considered in design. The use of hinged access points can offer a good solution to accessing the padel court.
● The court surfacing product should be a product designed for padel. On the majority of padel courts the playing surface will be a short pile sand filled/dressed synthetic turf product. Where temporary courts are being installed consideration can be given to other prefabricated surfaces that can be lifted and re-used.
● The source of padel enclosure fabricator / manufacturer should be established before an order is placed, with certificate of origin to be provided prior to completion of the project. The padel enclosure should be confirmed as being fit for purpose for use in the UK, with considerations given to both the climate and wind loading requirements that prevail.
● Care should be taken in selecting a padel court manufacturer. In some cases, their warranties may not always cover structural failure of the enclosure, only failure of the individual components from the perspective of wear and corrosion. A minimum 10-year warranty should be established for all installations in respect of structural failure of the enclosure.
● The maintenance requirements for padel courts and the associated enclosures and court coverings need to be considered. For additional information the manufacturer’s guidance should be sought on the maintenance requirements for all aspects of the padel facility developed.
Selecting the correct site for a padel court is a major factor in determining not only the costs of construction, but also the quality of the playing experience and the maintenance needs of the court. Where possible, the location of the court should be sympathetic to its surroundings and adjacent infrastructures. Ideally, it will be sited on relatively flat land that is not too close to boundaries or trees. Access should be easy for players (including disabled players) and suitable for maintenance and construction equipment (all courts will require resurfacing at some point; a factor often overlooked).
If a padel court is to be installed on an existing tennis court or hard standing area, an assessment of the subbase construction should be made by a competent designer to ensure that the base is suitable.
Padel courts can be constructed both indoors and outdoors and can be defined into five main facility types in terms of their construction:
● Outdoor new build padel court – Where the court construction and enclosure have been constructed in an area designated for a padel court.
● Covered new build covered padel court – Where the court construction and enclosure have been constructed in an area designated for a padel court with a canopy or fully enclosed structure.
● Outdoor padel court constructed on an existing tennis court and its foundation – This could be covered or a standard court construction.
● Indoor padel court constructed within an existing building – Often constructed with multiple courts and social areas.
● Temporary padel court – Where the court is used in a temporary setting, either for an event or in some cases to assess whether there is a market for a permanent court (see previous notes on the use of temporary structures).
Where multiple courts are being constructed, consideration needs to be given on access points to each of the padel enclosures and the impact of the access routes on the space available. Where facilities are floodlit or in some cases covered, the location of columns, roof supports, drainage channels access paths along with the perimeter supports for the enclosure need to be factored into the facility design to ensure the best use of the available space, but also ensuring that the required access is available.
The other element to consider when constructing a multiple court facility is to ensure that the overall design allows the required space between courts for player access, sports wheelchair access and access to allow the required maintenance procedures. Compliance with the Equality
Act (2010) is an obligation for all designers, constructors and managers of padel facilities. Consideration should be given during the design stages of a project as to how disability players will be able to use the organisation’s courts.
Where covered facilities are being constructed consideration should also be given to egress routes in order to comply with Building Regulations.
Due to the complexities of designing padel courts for outdoor use and the impact of wind loading on both the enclosures and any covered structure, it is essential that the structural calculations for the design of the padel court are undertaken by a competent UK structural engineer with Professional Indemnity insurance.
The construction of a Padel court requires formal planning consent to be sought from the relevant local authority. The glass wall or mesh fencing (3.0m and 4.0m in height) and proposed sports lighting posts and fittings (6.0m above the playing surface) will require planning consent prior to the commencement of the construction work. The site owner or client are responsible for obtaining planning consent and may wish to appoint a consultant to prepare and submit the application on their behalf.
Careful consideration for the proposed location of the padel court should be given in relation to the impact of noise on adjacent residential properties. If a residential property is within 30.0m of the padel court, then it is essential that a formal noise assessment is undertaken by a specialist consultant prior to making a planning application. Based on the findings of this report, mitigation measures may be required within the scheme design, such as acoustic fencing or barriers to reduce the travel of sound down to an acceptable level. It may even be a requirement from the Planning Authority to move the court to a more appropriate location. In some contentious locations adjacent to residential properties, planning authorities may stipulate a planning condition that a further noise assessment is carried out once the court is in use.
The impact of sports lighting, drainage, environmental disturbance and the need to consider Biodiversity Net Gain requirements on the area being developed also need to be considered for all padel court planning applications. If this information is not provided as part of the planning application then there is a risk that the application will be rejected.
The cost of constructing a padel court can be greatly influenced by site conditions. Costs will be much higher for engineering a difficult site (e.g. poor ground conditions, high clay content or historical landfill) and it should be recognised that some sites are not cost effective to develop. A designer should consider several factors, including topography, access, site drainage and trees when choosing a location.
Before commencing with a detailed design, the designer will require as much information as possible about the site and its surroundings. Allowing sufficient resources for initial information gathering greatly reduces the risk of unforeseen problems (and increased costs) during construction or post construction. While on many sites an experienced contractor will be able to assess the requirements of the ground, on more complex projects a specialist geotechnical survey is the best way of ensuring a full understanding of the site.
Trees and their roots can constitute a threat to the court itself (by distorting or cracking of the surface), especially strong-rooted varieties such as poplar, sycamore and willow. Where such a threat exists, preventative action will be necessary, such as tree surgery and/or the construction of a root barrier to inhibit the ingress of tree roots onto the padel court site. This is usually done by digging a trench, cutting any roots in the process, and removing them as far as possible to a depth of at least 500mm, but more commonly 1.0m or more. The wall of the trench is then lined with suitable material, such as root control sheeting before backfilling. Alternatively, the trench can be filled with concrete and the excavated material removed.
Branches that overhang a padel court are usually a cause of various problems, such as the continuous dripping of water, secretions, and bird droppings. It is strongly recommended that overhanging branches be pruned back beyond the court fence line and kept trimmed back as part of the maintenance programme.
HOWEVER: Before cutting any tree roots it is important to check that this is not going to destabilise the tree such that it might fall. And prior consent will need to be obtained from the local authority before any branches or roots are cut if the tree is protected (TPO) or within a
Conservation Area. It is illegal to undertake any works to a tree, its branches or roots without first obtaining such consent in these circumstances.
When selecting the location for a court, consideration should be given to the existing services around or under the court area and the utility services that will be required for the court.
Many sites will require some form of drainage, and the design should consider if the ground is suitable for a soakaway or if there is a suitable storm water sewer, ditch or other outlet that can be used. For an area the size of a padel court, perimeter drainage would normally be considered acceptable and be preferable to a series of lateral drains. Typically, the perimeter drain would run at or below formation level along the lowest long side of the court and discharge through the foundation or ring beam for the enclosure in a pipe to a suitable outfall.
The LED sports lighting for a padel court will require a single-phase electrical supply and ideally the location of the court(s) will be as close to the supply as possible. Dependent on the system of lighting installed, the power requirements will typically range from 1.2 – 2.4kW per court. For multiple court layouts, consideration maybe need to be given for the need of a three-phase electrical supply.
Based on the experience of padel court designers, constructors and users the following points should be considered when installing a padel court or a padel centre.
● It is key that site specific designs for the concrete foundations need to be developed for each project by a suitably qualified UK structural engineer with Professional Indemnity insurance. Specific concrete foundations and concrete ring beam dimensions need to be calculated to suit the local ground conditions and wind loadings.
● The impact of the facility on drainage and the surrounding area should be considered in line with planning requirements and the need for sustainable urban designs. Planners are now considering the impact of the constructed facility and its drainage capacity on the surrounding urban area and often the constructed area will need to have a positive drainage capacity uplift in the area the facility is constructed.
● The use of temporary structures can be considered, if they are planned to be used for a temporary period of time based on the recommendations set out by the relevant enclosure manufacturer. It is likely that temporary structures will require more regular structural maintenance than permanent installs.
● The use of temporary structures beyond a specific timeframe is questionable. The legal definition of temporary is a 12-month period. Temporary structures also need to adhere to the relevant UK structural engineer design requirements to ensure that enclosure failures do not occur.
● The use of second-hand structures and enclosures should not be considered without the required structural calculations being designed and met.
● Where facilities are being developed with multiple court numbers, consideration should be given to the layout and spacings between courts to ensure safe access and movement and Equality Act (2010) compliance.
● Different playing surfaces can be considered for temporary venues for more sustainable working practices.
The padel court’s internal playing area is 20.0m long x 10.0m wide and should be marked with two service lines and a centre line that crosses over the service line by 200mm. The two halves of the court should be symmetrical. All line markings should be 50mm in width and should be coloured white.
It is likely that most padel courts will be constructed where out-of-court areas are not included in the court layout. Access points to the court can either be on both sides or a single side adjacent to the net. Consideration should be given regarding sports wheelchair access to the court. To facilitate sports wheelchair access there should be a minimum distance of 1.20m between the net post and the enclosure.
The use of hinged gates should be considered and where applicable used to ensure that access for sports wheelchairs is possible.
Padel court dimensions in mm (out of court area not included)
Padel court dimensions in mm (out of court areas included)
For out-of-court play each side of the court should have two central access points (one to each side of the court). There should not be any obstacles outside the court within a distance of 2.0m wide and 4.0m long on either side of the court and a minimum of 4.0m high.
Where there are shared side runs, the distance between the courts should allow for the required space for the out-of-court play areas for each court. (ie 2.0m wide out-of-court areas for both sides of each court, giving a total side run of 4.0m as a minimum between each court).
Again, the use of hinged gates should be considered and where applicable used to ensure that access for sports wheelchairs is possible.
There should be a clear unobstructed height above the enclosed playing area of a minimum of 6.0m, including to the underside of any sports lighting overhanging the playing area.
A secondary option is a total unobstructed height above the enclosed playing area of 8.0m, which can also be considered if this is a feasible option from the perspective of both planning approval and cost. Subject to any restrictions within the space above a court, it is recommended that unobstructed height is maximised wherever possible, in particular above the net line.
All padel courts have a requirement for the inclusion of rebound ends at either end of the court to a total height of 4.0m. The first 3.0m, from playing surface level, can comprise any transparent or solid material (glass, bricks, etc.) which does not affect ball rebound, with the upper 1.0m comprising weldmesh fencing 50mm x 50mm mesh with the inner face being the horizontal mesh. The mesh should be either 3mm or 4mm diameter for consistent rebound properties. The transition between the glass internal surface and the metal fencing should finish flush and neither surface should protrude further than the other to prevent irregular ball rebound response and minimise risk of injury to players.
The padel court is an area 20.0m long x 10.0m wide, enclosed above ground with either solid rebound walls and mesh panels, or more commonly a combination of glass and weld mesh rebound wall and fence panels, supported on steel or aluminium posts fixed to a concrete foundation with a synthetic turf playing surface. In a community setting such as a public park, consideration could be given to constructing the enclosure using rendered block work.
The construction of a new padel court, up to and including the playing surface, follows the methodology of the construction of a tennis court, built in defined stages from the formation layer through to the playing surface. For a padel court, the construction of the concrete foundation to the enclosure and the erection of the enclosure needs to be factored into the construction stages.
These various stages can be outlined through the following reference points:
● the formation: this is the prepared natural ground on which the court is built.
● the enclosure foundation: this is the in-situ reinforced concrete ring beam or suitably designed alternative (like the use of concrete pads), that the padel enclosure is secured to. This also forms the perimeter of the padel court construction.
● the sub-base: carefully graded aggregates which are laid to provide load bearing and stability for the playing surface and to protect, as far as possible, the formation from the effects of rain and frost.
● asphalt base: bitumen bound aggregate that forms the base on which the playing surface is laid or in the case of an asphalt court, forms the playing surface. Asphalt to be porous on all outdoor courts.
● padel enclosure formed by the erection of support posts with glass and weld mesh infill panels (normally) or a rendered block work structure.
● playing surface is sand-dressed or sand filled synthetic turf. Note: other surfaces maybe considered especially for temporary courts where prefabricated surfaces are sometimes used.
Turf, vegetation and topsoil should be removed to a depth of at least 75mm. If greater depth of topsoil is present, containing significant quantities of vegetable or organic matter, then all such soil should be removed.
Excavations to achieve the required gradients (if any at formation level) are normally carried out on the “cut and fill” principle, i.e., excavating in the higher areas and using the resulting excavated material to fill the lower areas. When using this method, all filling should be carried out in layers not exceeding 150mm, each layer being thoroughly compacted.
When excavating the site by “cutting to the solid”, excavated material is removed from the area of the works and not reused. Any filling that may be necessary should be achieved using selected, suitable material, which can be readily compacted and will not be subject to future settlement.
The formation should be fully compacted and accurately levelled to a tolerance of +25mm/-50mm and should provide a stable base for the foundation layer. Any soft spots that are evident should be removed and backfilled with appropriate compacted material as described above.
It will be necessary to excavate and remove additional material (or add a subbase of suitable aggregate) when there is a requirement for the playing surface to be at a specific level. In such circumstances the formation level (top of subbase) will be the playing surface level, less the combined depth of the court construction. This may be lower (or higher) than the level resulting from a simple topsoil strip and subsoil levelling exercise.
Tree roots should be removed during excavation and the resulting holes from these or other underground obstructions should be carefully backfilled with suitable material, as described above.
The gradient of excavated or filled banks should not exceed the angle of slope suitable for the excavated material (rarely more than 1:2). Should limitations of space dictate steeper angles, and/or reduced shoulders at the top of banks, then suitable support should be provided such as retaining walls or buttressing.
Residual acting weed killers are no longer acceptable on environmental grounds.
Weeds visible prior to excavation works should be pretreated with a systemic weed killer.
It is not possible to guarantee that all weeds have been killed, nor that re-growth will not occur after construction. Some weed growth may occur, but this usually represents little more than a temporary inconvenience.
Wind-blown seeds can land on any tennis or padel court surface, wash into the porous construction and then germinate. If weeds appear on finished surfaces, they should not be pulled out if they have penetrated the asphalt surface, but treated immediately with weed killer, allowed to die, and then removed.
In general, drainage from an outdoor court’s playing surface is provided by percolation through the porous construction (artificial grass/ asphalt/ aggregate base). Where a non-porous construction is used, this should be set to a suitable fall to allow surface drainage. Where canopies or enclosed structures are being used, consideration needs to be given to the collection and disposal of surface water from the roof. The drainage system for the
court surface and the roof should ideally be integrated to ensure that the water can be removed into a collection system so as to not impact on the use of the padel court.
When constructing a new court(s) the playing surface and enclosure foundation (ring beam) should be constructed level (flat). This ensures that the bottom of the glass panels can finish flush with the ring beam asphalt layer with no requirement to step the panels.
To assist the drainage of the area, if required, new build padel courts may be constructed to level with a gradient of 1:100 established to the formation level. This should ensure that water percolating through the surface will find the perimeter drainage outfall.
Where a padel court is being constructed over an existing tennis court, careful consideration of the existing gradients, surface tolerance of the existing surface and the accurate positioning of the new padel court is required. As such, a detailed gradient survey of the existing tennis court would be required prior to proceeding with the project.
To aid the construction of the enclosure and the potential change in levels between the existing court construction, the enclosure foundations, and the new playing surface, where applicable, the enclosure foundation and new playing surface should be constructed level. Where this is not possible, very minor stepping of the enclosure panels may be achievable but is not a desired solution. The contractor should highlight the impact of any potential gradient issues with the existing court at the time the design is being developed, therefore ensuring that the client is prepared to accept the consequences of this compromise.
Perimeter drains located inside a perimeter ring beam (if this is the enclosure foundation design) with an outlet through the ring beam are necessary on poorly draining sites.
Porous foundations should be constructed to allow egress of water into the perimeter drain. UK outdoor padel courts should be constructed with porous sub-base construction. The perimeter drain should be connected to an outfall
pipe running through the concrete ring beam to ensure that water can pass away from the padel court and not be retained within the confines of the ring beam.
The impact of the facility on drainage and the surrounding area should be considered in line with planning requirements and the need for sustainable urban designs. Planners are now considering the impact of the constructed facility and its drainage capacity on the surrounding urban area and often the constructed area will need to have a positive drainage capacity uplift in the area the facility is constructed.
Permanently covered courts with side protection, to prevent ingress of driven rain (so not to include open sided canopies), may be constructed with non-porous sub-base construction.
Catchwater drains should always be installed wherever there is a danger of water flowing onto the court from surrounding areas. They are particularly important for canopies and at the foot of cut banks formed during the levelling operation.
Drains should consist of perforated plastic pipes, laid in the bottom of well-formed trenches, backfilled with clean, graded stone aggregate or similar suitable material. Drains should be laid to falls of not less than 1:200 and be connected to soakaways or other suitable drainage system.
The drainage trenches should be lined with a geotextile membrane.
Catchwater drain trenches should be filled with clean stone to the surface.
The foundations for the court enclosure must be designed by a UK structural engineer (with a suitable cross section profile) with due consideration given to local ground conditions and more importantly the wind loads for the locality of the site, especially in coastal environments or exposed locations. Any other relevant localised site conditions that may impact on the potential loads should also be considered in the design.
Weather extremes specific to the UK climate need to be considered when designing padel court and court covering foundations, to ensure that designs are sufficient to prevent structural damage.
The need for the foundation to have a site-specific design from a UK structural engineer with the relevant level of Professional Indemnity insurance is a requirement whatever foundation design is chosen. The most commonly used are:
● Perimeter in-situ formed reinforced concrete ring beam.
● Concrete pad post foundations.
● Concrete slab formed with reinforced concrete ring beam.
Where a perimeter in-situ formed reinforced concrete ring beam is used, it provides a solid surface for securing the base plates of the enclosure’s support posts for the glass panels, weldmesh fencing and the net posts. The ring beam will also act as the retainer for the court construction, with the porous asphalt surface course finishing flush with the ring beam, allowing the synthetic turf playing surface to be confined within the glass and mesh panels.
The use of concrete pad foundations to secure the base plates of the enclosure can also be an option. If this design is adopted, consideration should be given to retention of the sub-base material and the synthetic turf playing surface between the pad spacings.
Concrete slabs formed with a reinforced concrete ring beam can also be used as a foundation. If this is the design, then consideration then needs to be given to the drainage solution. If impervious concrete is used, the slab should be set to a suitable fall to ensure that the area suitably drains as water will not be able to pass through the impervious concrete layer.
Relationship between the top of the foundation / perimeter edge detail, the enclosure, and the court surface
The foundation should be designed with suitable reinforcing incorporated, to exceed the expected wind load calculated, and to allow the enclosure to be fixed down with bolts using suitable anchors, securing it in line with the UK structural engineer’s calculations. The design must be backed by the UK structural engineers’ professional indemnity insurance.
If a client employs a contractor for both the design and construction (or where this is implied), then the contractor should also carry their own professional indemnity insurance in relation to the design foundation.
Maximum wind loadings applicable to the surrounding enclosure should be stated by the padel court manufacturer to aid the design of the foundations.
A correctly designed and well-engineered sub-base is essential for the performance and durability of a padel court. Failure to provide a suitable foundation layer may result in severe undulations, cracking or premature breakup of the playing surface.
Certain sub-soils are far more prone to the two main causes of serious problems – frost heave and clay shrinkage – and clearly it is important to determine site conditions before designing the construction.
The stone foundation layer should be constructed using hard, clean, well-rounded, non-frost-susceptible aggregates. These are typically a reduced-fines grading of the MOT Type 1 aggregate mix or a 28mm - 50mm clean stone material, capped with a 10mm chipping as a blinding layer. If recycled material or other variations in
the stone foundation material are to be considered the designer or contractor should be requested to provide technical reasoning for this choice and ensure the material is both suitable and free of contaminants.
The depth of the stone foundation layer should be determined using the guidance defined in Clause 2.12 of the SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Tennis Courts. If site-specific geotechnical information is available, then this should be considered when designing the depth of the base. If this information is not available, the ’soil type’ table in clause 2.12 can be used as a guideline.
Geotextiles are recommended when installing new padel courts. These are water-permeable fabrics that are laid in sheet form beneath the foundation to provide several benefits, including:
● isolating the foundation and preventing infiltration and contamination by a silt or clay sub-soil.
● increasing of the load-bearing and structural strength of the foundation.
● the provision of a “slip sheet” to help to prevent cracks from transmitting from the sub-soil to the surface.
● Inhibiting, but not eliminating, possible weed growth from the sub-soil zone.
Ducting should take the form of either a partial or fully ducted system, depending on the layout of the padel court(s) and any surrounding structures.
Sports lighting to padel courts would usually be facilitated by extended support posts from the enclosure. In some cases, however, there will be a need to erect the sports lighting on stand-alone columns located outside the perimeter of the enclosure. In both cases the structural design of the foundation for the enclosure or columns should be carried out by a UK structural engineer or an expert in padel court design.
Padel court lighting should be cabled on the basis of one or two looped circuits, with the ducting either positioned totally outside the perimeter foundations or cast into the ring beam and run under the playing surface depending on the circuit arrangement.
Ducting should be formed from plastic pipework with consideration given to installing the ducts at a depth of at least 450mm beneath the court surface to avoid damage if drainage holes are installed during subsequent resurfacing work.
Draw-pits may be required to allow the future cabling and re-cabling of the lighting posts. If required, they should comprise prefabricated plastic sections that link together to form the chamber with the cover of the draw-pit finishing flush with its surrounding surface level.
Typically, in the UK, asphalt is the most commonly used porous base, however, alternatives such as porous concrete are sometimes used.
In certain circumstances non-porous bases may be appropriate such as an impervious concrete slab foundation. Particular consideration should be given to the drainage solution for the surface water in these cases.
There is a general preference given to the use of porous bases in the UK.
Asphalt is laid over the stone foundation layer. This will form the platform base on which the synthetic surface will be laid. For new build padel courts the asphalt should be laid in two courses, a binder course followed by a surface course. If a padel court is being constructed over an existing tennis court or hard standing with a suitable base, a single surface layer may be sufficient, although two layers will almost always be preferable. Open graded porous asphalt should be used.
The asphalt binder and surface courses should be produced, transported and laid in accordance with clause 2.14 of the SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Tennis Courts.
The binder course should be laid to a compacted depth of 40mm and the surface course laid to a compacted depth of 25mm.
If the padel court is a new construction (on virgin ground) it should be built with two asphalt layers to satisfy the necessary drainage, stability and regularity requirements for artificial grass playing surface in full accordance with this Code of Practice.
If an existing tennis court is being converted to locate a padel court some preparatory works are likely to be required. The base on which the padel court is to be laid should be checked for regularity and drainage. To aid the drainage of the new surface, the existing asphalt tennis surface will need piercing to improve drainage for the padel playing surface. Piercing involves punching holes through the asphalt surface to form a drainage link to the sub-base and underlying ground. The holes, typically 25mm diameter, are back filled with chippings or pea gravel. The surface should be pierced at 450mm centres across the total area of the padel court.
Piercing the base will, however, result in small holes and there is a possibility that these holes will reflect through to the new playing surface. If this occurs, the aesthetics of the court can be damaged and, more importantly, ball rebound may be unpredictable as a result of the ball striking the edges of holes.
As a minimum scope of works, a new single layer surface course would be required as a suitable base to lay the new padel court synthetic turf surface with the enclosure constructed on the engineer designed foundation set into the surrounding court surface.
A mixture of small grade gravel (typically ranging from 2mm to 6mm) and cement, based on the cement manufacturer’s recommendation, can be used in certain circumstances to replace the asphalt binder and surface courses. Expansion gaps should be incorporated if this construction is used. The depth and the composition of the porous concrete layer needs to be designed by a structural engineer in accordance with the requirements stated in Clause 2.7.
The correct installation of the playing surface is essential if a court is to provide a satisfactory playing environment and meet players’ expectations.
The surface regularity of a new or resurfaced padel court should conform to the following:
At no point on the court area should there be any bump, hollow, ridge, joint or textural variation sufficient to cause reasonable expectation that a ball in play might be deflected from its true path; or expose a player to a significantly increased risk of injury within the perimeter of the court. Subject to the above, the surface should be laid to a tolerance of ±6mm as a maximum permitted undulation under 3m straight edge.
Ideally there should be no undulations greater than 6mm at any point on the court area. If two layers of asphalt form the sub-base, however, then two permitted deviations are allowed and on a single asphalt later up to four deviations are allowed. Undulations more than 1000mm in length are considered to be multiple deviations (e.g., a 1.8m long ridge is considered to be two deviations – one of 1m length and one of 0.8m length).
Notes:
Regularity should be measured in accordance with BS EN 13036 Part 7 by placing a 3m straightedge at any position on the surface of the court (excluding and the area around court fittings such as net posts) and measuring the gap at any place between the points at which the straightedge is in contact with the surface.
The variation in allowable tolerances reflects the relative difficulty of achieving superior surface levels with certain types of surfaces and construction, such as single layer asphalt.
Porous surfaces when newly laid (but after an initial period of weathering) should be free draining and can be expected to be clear of surface ponding within fifteen minutes of rain ceasing. BS EN 12616 defines a method of test for assessing the in-situ water infiltration rate of sports surfaces. Suppliers will typically design and test around laboratory values for vertical permeability as in EN13108.1.13.
General
Padel can be played on any hard surface, however, the majority of installations and tournaments are played on artificial grass both in the UK and around the world. Generally speaking, the padel court playing surface should comprise a single tone sand-dressed or sand filled artificial grass (with a preference for monofilament yarn) loose laid onto the asphalt base and dressed/filled with silica sand in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance. The artificial grass surface should be designed specifically for padel and should have the following product specification or similar.
The playing surface should comply with UNE 147301: 2018 Sports surfaces for the practice of padel (Requirements) for the sports performance requirements shown in the table below. This standard is a Spanish National Standard, and the requirements have been adopted by the International Padel Federation. Padel surfacing products should be tested in the laboratory for these requirements to ensure compliance with the standard in both dry and wet conditions. It would not normally be considered a requirement to carry out these tests on an installation unless specified within a tender document.
Product Specification
Characteristic Property
Pile Height 10 mm – 15 mm
dtex > 8,000
Yarn Type Monofilament (preferred), Texturised, Fibrillated (acceptable)
Infill Material Silica Sand
Stitch rate 35,000 – 60,000
Primary backingPolypropylene
Secondary backingLatex or Polyurethane
Weather considerations
Property Test Method Requirement
Shock Absorbency (Force Reduction) EN 1480815 – 25%
Rotational Resistance EN 15301-1 25 – 50Nm
Ball Rebound EN 12235 >80%
Water Permeability EN 12616 >500mm/hr
Artificial grass surfaces can only be laid in certain weather conditions. This is because the adhesives used to join the rolls of carpet may not fully bond if laid in very cold or wet conditions and the need for the carpet and sand infill to be dry to allow the sand to flow into the pile of the carpet. Surfaces should only be laid when conditions satisfy those stipulated by the adhesive and carpet manufacturers. This is very much a case of the experienced contractor knowing best and they should not be pressurised to lay a surface in less-than-ideal conditions just to complete the work on time.
Prior to laying out the artificial grass carpet the base should be swept to ensure there are no loose stones or other debris lying on it. The artificial grass carpet should then be rolled out in the configuration shown on the seaming plan and the rolls checked for any signs of damage or defects.
Following the checking of the roll, the edges should be overlapped by an amount sufficient to allow trimming and the edges trimmed to produce a good butt joint. After trimming, the gap between the edges should be no more than the distance between each tuft row.
The carpet should then be turned back from the trimmed joint and a carrier tape positioned on the joint line. The tape should be positioned centrally to give a bond width in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A water-based “tacky” adhesive may be used under the tape to prevent movement.
The surface will not perform, and its durability will be compromised, if the carpet is not correctly sand dressed or filled prior to play. This part of the installation is, therefore, crucial.
Before infilling, it is recommended that the entire surface is brushed to aid the turf fibre to stand upright.
The correct grade of sand should be applied evenly in stages, ensuring that the sand is brushed into the pile in such a way that the pile remains upright. Extreme care and attention should be taken when applying the sand. The dressing must be finished to a constant depth
within the base of the pile. Experience has shown that some grades of sand used in continental Europe would be considered too fine for the UK climate. Therefore, suppliers and installers should ensure that a suitable grade of sand infill is used for the UK climate.
If using a wheeled vehicle to transport sand across the surface, make sure that the tyres are smooth – tyres with treads, such as herring bone tyres, will permanently mark the playing surface. The recommended ground pressure of tyre to turf surface is between 8 and 11 pounds per square inch. Drive with care over previously sanded areas and do not make sharp turns or stop suddenly.
It may be necessary to return to site to top up sand levels after installation. The amount needed for top dressing can only be determined on an individual basis.
Other playing surfaces can be considered, especially where temporary courts are being used. For installation guidance for these surfaces please consult the SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction of Outdoor Multi-Use Games Areas, (1st Edition, September 2021).
The surrounding enclosure and rebound walls to a padel court should be formed of a combination of a transparent or solid material (glass, rendered blockwork) which does not affect ball rebound. The transition between the glass (solid) internal surface and the metal panels should finish flush and neither surface should protrude further than the other to prevent irregular ball rebound response and minimise risk of injury to players.
The enclosure should be supported using steel or aluminium posts. The UK experiences higher corrosion rates than in Continental Europe and in some areas, this can be considered severe. In addition, prevailing wind conditions vary significantly across the UK. Selection of the padel court enclosure should therefore be made on a site-specific basis to ensure that the structure is suitable to meet anticipated corrosion rates and wind loadings.
Supporting posts come in different designs and can be constructed using different thickness of materials with or without additional reinforcing features to withstand different windspeeds. Reinforced post sections should be considered to give enhanced wind loadings in coastal or exposed locations in accordance with the structural engineers design. SAPCA recommends a minimum thickness of 3mm for any steel profiles
The court manufacturer should advise what maximum windspeed the court is built to withstand. The court should be selected based on the specific location and site conditions where it will be installed.
Similarly, different finishes and treatment of materials can be selected for steelwork according to the corrosion rate of a specific location.
As a minimum requirement for the UK market, SAPCA recommends steelwork should be pre-galvanised with subsequent zinc electroplating after fabrication and an anti-corrosive epoxy primer resin treatment should be applied. For areas with particularly high corrosion rates such as a C5M category as defined in ISO 12944-1 the use of non-ferrous metals, such as aluminium, should be considered or when using steelwork, a hot dipped galvanisation to BS EN ISO 1461:2009 should be used. The galvanising process MUST be applied after all the steel posts, panels etc have been fabricated, holed, and welded. If any onsite adaptation is required, a suitable zinc-based paint should be applied to the affected area.
The warranty for the materials used in the supporting posts should be for a minimum of 15 years.
For aesthetics and additional longevity, materials are often powder coated to a suitable RAL colour in accordance with BS EN 13438. During delivery and installation, powder coating can be scratched, therefore any affected area needs to be painted or sprayed with a suitable colour matched paint. If zinc rich powder coating is used instead of galvanising and powder coating, it is important to ensure all scratches and pin holes are over painted with the same zinc rich paint to prevent corrosion.
The posts should be fabricated with suitable base plates to allow the posts and the subsequent enclosure to be fixed to the concrete (ring beam) foundation using fixing bolts, with consideration also given to the use of resin secured bolts.
When designing the concrete foundation detail, the design needs to ensure that the size (width) of the foundation is sufficient to house the base plates for the enclosure. Where canopies or other court covering structures are also being constructed, consideration should also be given to the required sizes of those base plates.
Glass rebound panels should comprise 12mm toughened glass to give a solid structure with high quality ball rebound characteristics on outdoor courts or those covered by a canopy structure. For the UK wind loading requirements which are substantially different to mainland Europe the use of 10mm thick glass should not be considered. On indoor court the use of 10mm thick glass can be considered.
Glass rebound panels should incorporate counter sunk fixings to prevent irregular ball responses. Toughened (or tempered) glass panels should be used as the glass is treated so it will break into small blunt pieces under pressure making it much safer than shards of normal glass.
All glass panels should be individually kite marked to the relevant European Standard. Glass manifestations should be included at the bottom of the panels and at a height of between 850mm and 1000mm for health and safety reasons. The manifestations should take the form of small spots or balls and should not take the form of larger stickers or advertisements which may compromise the toughened glass shattering.
If further information is required, please refer to Part K of the building regulations.
The weld mesh sections of the surround walls should comprise weldmesh fencing 50mm x 50mm mesh with the inner face being the horizontal mesh within the mesh. The mesh should be either 3mm or 4mm diameter for consistent rebound properties. The fabrication of the weldmesh should also follow the principles specified in the Supporting Posts section for corrosion protection.
The side elevation(s) should incorporate a central opening for player access on one or both sides of the padel court with access to both ends of the court from the central location. For competition courts the ‘out of court play area’ 4.0m x 2.0m (or 4.0m x 3.0m) either side of the net (8.0m x 2.0m or 3.0m overall) should be incorporated into the design of the enclosure on both sides of the court and the playing surface should be the same as the actual playing area of the court.
Sports wheelchair access is required to either side of the court. The spacing between the net post and the padel enclosure should be a minimum of 1.20m on either side of the net and court.
Hinged gate access points should be considered to ensure Equality Act compliance for sports wheelchair users at all access points.
The net should be 10.0m in length, 0.88m high at the centre, rising to 0.92m at the ends, with a maximum tolerance of 5mm.
The net should be suspended by a metal cable with a maximum diameter of 10mm and the ends attached to net posts. It is considered the norm that most padel court designs will use base plated posts rather than using the enclosure to support the net. The net should comply with BS EN 1510.
Padel courts should be floodlit using one of three methods to support the required luminaires to light the court. On outdoor courts the luminaires can either be fitted to an extended part of the padel enclosure (common) or housed on stand-alone lighting columns, a method more frequently used on tennis courts and sports pitches. If the courts are being covered then the luminaires can also be fitted to the frame of the roof support structure, however, this would be dependant of the type of structure and location of the roof support trusses.
When developing the lighting design, considerations should be given to the number of padel courts to be lit, the complexities of the site and whether there are residential properties near the court location. These site-specific requirements can often dictate which luminaires can be used in the design to potentially control lux level spillage or reduce glare.
All light fittings should be manufactured to the relevant British and European standards with the associated CE marking. If the padel court is being supplied as a ‘package kit’ from the manufacturer of the enclosure, then all the electrical components should be detailed with a suitable lighting design prior to placing any order for the works.
All light fittings should be installed ensuring a 6.0m high clear space above the padel court playing area.
Padel court lighting designs should be produced using dedicated software by competent persons (designers, consultants, manufacturers, or contractors) with relevant experience in lighting designs and local authority planning policy.
Extending the padel enclosure to support the luminaires
The posts supporting the court enclosure are extended and a bracket is fitted to the top of the post to mount either one or two luminaires depending on the lighting design. The extended posts should be configured such that the luminaires are located 4.0m from the back wall of the padel enclosure into the side elevations to give a side lit lighting arrangement.
This is the preferred option for lighting padel courts as the lighting layout and design becomes an integrated part of the enclosure and allows the cabling to be attached and housed within the supporting posts for the enclosure. It also means that where multiple courts are being lit there is no need for additional columns located within the walkways between courts.
Stand-alone lighting columns to support the luminaires
The stand-alone floodlight columns should be located outside of the padel court enclosure to mount the luminaires, adopting a more traditional sports lighting layout. The columns should be located 4.0m from the back wall of the padel enclosure into the side elevations to give a side lit lighting arrangement.
Using the roof support structure to support the luminaires
The luminaires should be located at the 6.0m eaves height, attached to the roof support structure 4.0m from the back wall of the padel enclosure above the side elevations to give a side lit lighting arrangement. It should be noted that where clear span covered structures (see Clause 4.1.2) are used to cover multiple numbers of courts this design solution may be feasible.
The LED sports lighting for a padel court will require a single-phase electrical supply and preferably the location of the court(s) will be as close to the supply as possible. Depending on the system of lighting installed, the power requirements will typically range from 1.2 – 2.4kW per court. For multiple court layouts, consideration maybe need to be given for the need of a three-phase electrical supply.
The lighting performance standards for padel courts in the horizontal plane at ground level are defined below.
Outdoor and indoor courts requirements:
Minimum illumination at ground level (Z=0)
National and International Competition
Regional competition, school & recreational use, indoor courts
500 lux (E av) with 0.7 uniformity
300 lux (E av) with 0.5 uniformity
A 10% over-performance should be taken into consideration when undertaking the initial design (i.e. 0.9 maintenance factor).
When a lighting design is being produced, the designer should use a suitable calculation grid spacing over the playing area centred on the net line position of the court. This removes the potential for any ‘dark or over lit’ patchy areas to be located within the overall playing area of the court.
The calculation grid spacing for the overall area affected by the floodlighting should be at a maximum spacing of 5.0m.
A detailed lighting design using this type of software and design grid is particularly important when considering the use of low cost, low wattage LED fittings. These fittings commonly use a symmetrical (rather than asymmetric) optical distribution as they are designed for lighting general amenity areas and are not sport specific products.
Lighting designs for padel courts should provide calculations for both lux and candela when adjacent to domestic dwellings. This will ensure that the design is in accordance with the requirements of the ILP Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light 2021.
On padel courts – as play involves the use of the ends and side walls – additional vertical lighting calculations may also be requested by planning authorities.
Where padel courts are to be incorporated into existing floodlit areas then consideration should be given to maximise the existing lighting provision in relation to the current positions of columns, fittings and potential conflict with underground service cabling.
There are two main types of structure used to cover padel courts, modular and clear span structures. Both types of structures come in a range of closed-sided or opensided structures and can be used to cover padel courts at a more economical cost than a traditional building or an air inflated structure. Typically, they comprise steel, aluminium or timber frames and are constructed with a single or double skin membrane roof. Some structures come with a fully enclosed roof and walls, others as a canopy type design. The size and shape of the structure can also have an impact on their suitability for a certain venue or location.
The modular type of structure shown in the photograph below is designed to cover padel courts individually; where more than one court is being covered, columns sit between courts, creating a singular larger structure. The main advantage of this type of structure is that due to the relatively short span for the roof, the costs can often be kept lower and also the modular nature covering single court spans, allows the structure to be fitted into the tight confines of existing facilities.
Typically, these modular structures are designed with a 6.0m eaves height, across a span of 11.0m, ensuring a minimum roof height along the centre line down the length of the court of nominally 8.0m, with the roof height falling to just over 6.0m along the perimeter of the padel enclosure.
For covering a single court or a layout comprising a number of ‘end on end’ located padel courts, the modular structure shown in the picture below may offer the best option with a simple design.
The clear span type of structure shown in the photograph above is designed to cover a block of padel courts in the same way that a similar structure would cover a block of tennis courts. If your project is looking to cover more than a single padel court, a clear span canopy could potentially be considered the more suitable option. The structure would typically cover the courts orientated with the highest point above the net line.
For multi-court covers, it is prudent to consider court spacing and column positioning, so as not to interfere with out of court play or restrict the provision of sports wheelchair access. Where structures are to be fully enclosed either at construction stage or at any time in the future, a minimum of 1.20m of clear unobstructed corridor space should be established between courts (which excludes padel court fixing baseplate arrangement if exposed at surface level). This ensures building control Part M compliance.
The overall dimensions of structures used to cover padel courts can vary depending on the structure type. Furthermore, the available space or the need to incorporate other ancillary facilities within the structure will have an impact on the overall size. Another consideration when designing and selecting a suitable structure to cover padel courts is whether professional competitive play is planned either at a national or international level.
If the intent is to provide professional level competition play within the structure, it is advised to seek guidance from the specific federation on correct building dimensions required for that level of padel. In the UK, this would be the LTA.
It is essential that all structure types are designed by a UK structural engineer with professional indemnity Insurance. A supporting design calculation document should be produced which allows for site specific loading calculations, including wind and snow loadings and specific local ground conditions. Structures should be designed and constructed to building regulations requirements. This should include the foundation & drainage detail along with all structural components.
Sports lighting can be fixed to the structure as part of the design for the padel facility and if this is case it should be factored in at design stage. If the design includes fully enclosed or retractable sides on any or all elevations, emergency lighting must be installed in accordance with local building control requirements.
Planning approval will be required for the development of an indoor structure or canopy in line with UK planning laws. Building control will be required for fully enclosed indoor structures and may also be required for canopies, to sign off the design and installation of the structure and its foundations.
It is advisable that structural frame components conform to CE Marking. This ensures the free movement of products that conform to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). All steel or aluminium materials should meet all safety, health and environmental protection requirements within the European market and is a key indicator of compliance with EU legislation.
In addition to CE Marking, UKCA relates to products being placed on the market in the United Kingdom. In the case of padel canopy/building structures, UKCA ensures structural components comply with UK declaration requirements regarding the manufacture and use of products that are made and supplied into the market. It is appropriate to ensure manufacturers apply all designated standards to products from import of raw materials, right through to the export of specialist components.
All steel supporting components for structures and canopies in the UK should be hot dip galvanised to specification to BS EN ISO 1461:2009 for maximum longevity and protection against the climate.
If opting for a polyester powder coated finish to steelwork, shot blasting is advised as the ideal preparatory operation for achieving the best surface adhesion for paint or thermal spray, with a recommended thermal zinc spray to ensure longevity. For coastal locations, marine grade powder coating is advised.
Further details for the use of steel supporting components can be found in section 2 (Construction Guidelines).
There are a range of different cladding materials available on the market. If the design includes fully enclosed or retractable sides on any or all elevations, emergency lighting must be installed in accordance with local building control requirements.
Fabric covered structures involve the use of a tensioned membrane, to cover the structure with either a single or double skin typically. It is vital to have a sufficient radius on the roof to ensure suitable tension on the roof sheet. Insufficient tensioning could lead to ponding and a potential failure of the membrane.
Hard roof structures typically adopt the use of a polycarbonate or metal profile sheet to cover the structure.
Based on the types and specification of structures supplied, different structures will have different warranty periods offered by the manufacturer. A minimum structural warranty period of 15 years is recommended.
The warranties for structures range from 10 – 25 years based on those currently being supplied into the UK market.
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