The rise of padel in the UK might not have been on many people’s bingo cards for this year, yet with the end of 2024 in sight, the sport has seen meteoric growth.
With strong endorsements from tennis icon Andy Murray and British rapper Stormzy (two names you might not expect to see in the same sentence), the sport is now all anyone is talking about and you should definitely be looking out for Padel in the UK.
Bizarrely, F1 drivers have also gone mad for Padel. Social media went into meltdown when it saw Max Verstappen and Lando Norris do battle on the padel court rather than on the grid.
But what exactly is padel, and how can you jump on the hype train?
Originally conceived in Mexico in the 1960s, padel is a unique racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash.
Played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s predominantly designed for doubles play, adding a social and strategic dynamic to each match.
Padel in the UK
While padel may be new to the UK’s sporting scene, it’s already well-established across much of Europe, especially in Spain, where it has become the second-most popular sport.
Unsurprisingly, the Spanish dominate the world rankings—but with Padel’s rapid growth in the UK, they might face stiff competition in the near future.
How can you get started?
If you’re eager to join the padel party, you’re in luck. There are over 500 Padel clubs ready and waiting for new players, with plenty more on the way. This handy interactive map will help you find a club nearby.
Padel memberships are available across the country, including in London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, and Edinburgh.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your padel on today!
