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Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. Its mix of energy, social play, and accessibility has made it a hit across cities and clubs nationwide.
Yet in Bath, the sport has run into unexpected resistance. MatchPoint competitions writer Josh Foster takes a deeper dive into the matter.
Across Britain, padel courts are appearing in record numbers. Players love its fast-paced rallies and social atmosphere. But in Bath, local authorities have taken a different approach.
Recent proposals to build padel courts, including those at Odd Down Sports Ground and the Lansdown Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club, have been refused by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
The result: no approved padel facilities anywhere in the city.
The council’s main concern is noise.
Padel produces sharper, higher-impact sounds than tennis, with players hitting off walls and exchanging quick volleys.
Residents living close to proposed court sites described the sound as “gunfire-like” and “unbearable” in planning objections.
One application placed courts just 3.5 metres from neighbouring homes. Environmental noise assessments suggested that the impact could exceed accepted limits, prompting planners to reject multiple proposals.
Officials also cited worries over mental wellbeing and disruption to local tranquillity, all key factors under UK planning and noise regulation standards.
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Technically, Bath has not banned padel. There’s no official policy outlawing the sport.
Instead, the city has created what players and operators call a “planning blockade.” Every recent application for padel courts has been turned down due to location and noise concerns.
This means no new padel developments can proceed unless a design meets strict acoustic and environmental criteria.
Developers say they are working on revised proposals with improved sound insulation and greater distance from homes.
The local padel community has voiced disappointment, calling the situation a setback for one of the UK’s most promising emerging sports.
Many argue that noise mitigation technology and better site planning could easily address residents’ concerns.
Padel UK representatives note that similar challenges have been resolved in other cities through acoustic barriers, enclosed structures, and advanced court surfacing.
They hope Bath’s restrictions will eventually ease once new solutions are presented.
Until new proposals pass the planning stage, padel players in Bath will need to travel to nearby towns to play. The demand remains high, and interest in the sport continues to grow nationally.
The issue in Bath highlights a broader question facing UK cities: how to balance community peace with sporting progress. With careful planning, acoustic design, and cooperation between developers and residents, padel could yet find its place in Bath.
Padel’s rise across the UK shows no signs of slowing. But Bath’s experience is a reminder that even popular new sports must navigate local sensitivities.
For now, the “Bath padel ban” stands as a planning story and not a sporting one. Whether it becomes a lasting barrier or a temporary pause will depend on how well the next generation of proposals can blend performance with peace.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity worldwide, and its rise shows no sign of slowing.
The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis yet stands apart for its unique accessibility.
Whether you are an energetic teenager, a busy parent or someone enjoying life well beyond retirement age, pickleball offers a level playing field that few sports can match.
It is this universal appeal that makes pickleball one of the best ways to stay active, remain social, and enjoy regular exercise, no matter how old you are.
Here, MatchPoint Competitions writer, Ben Phillips, analyses what makes Pickleball a brilliant sport for every age group
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At its core, pickleball is designed to be inclusive.
Played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball, the sport removes many of the barriers that typically prevent people from picking up a racket.
You do not need years of experience, athletic training, or a high level of fitness to get started.
The rules are simple, the learning curve is gentle, and the pace of play can be easily adjusted to suit any ability.
This accessibility is the foundation of pickleball’s appeal and the reason so many communities are embracing the sport.
For younger players, pickleball is a perfect entry point into racket sports.
The smaller court size helps beginners understand spacing, footwork and shot selection without feeling overwhelmed.
Kids and teenagers appreciate that rallies last longer, which keeps them engaged and builds confidence.
Because the ball moves more slowly than a tennis ball, young players get immediate feedback on technique and control.
These early skills transfer brilliantly to other sports, making pickleball a valuable developmental tool.
Adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are also embracing pickleball in huge numbers.
For this age group, the sport offers a rare combination of competitiveness and convenience.
Matches can be played in short bursts, and the game is intense enough to provide a genuine workout while still being enjoyable and low stress.
Players build cardiovascular fitness, improve agility and sharpen reflexes without the heavy impact that comes from running-based sports.
This makes pickleball ideal for people juggling work, family and social life because they can fit in meaningful exercise without needing hours at the gym.
One of the most compelling reasons pickleball has become such a phenomenon is its popularity among older adults.
Unlike tennis, the sport demands shorter movements, less explosive power and far less strain on joints.
Many players in their 50s, 60s and 70s find that they can play for longer periods without discomfort, which keeps them active both physically and mentally.
The hand eye coordination required helps maintain cognitive sharpness, while the social aspect fosters community and reduces feelings of isolation.
For many older players, pickleball has become more than a hobby. It is a lifestyle choice that improves health, mobility and emotional wellbeing.
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The health benefits of pickleball extend far beyond age brackets.
Because the game involves constant movement, players enjoy improved cardiovascular health, better balance and increased muscle tone.
The lateral steps and occasional sprints help strengthen stabilising muscles that protect the knees and hips, which is especially important as people age.
The sport also burns calories at a steady rate, making it an excellent way to support weight management and overall fitness.
Unlike more punishing workouts, pickleball encourages consistency because it is fun. People want to come back day after day, which leads to long term health benefits.
Beyond physical advantages, pickleball is a social sport at heart.
Most games are played in doubles, which encourages teamwork, communication and camaraderie.
Many clubs and local facilities run open play sessions where newcomers can integrate into friendly groups within minutes.
These social interactions are a major part of the sport’s appeal. For older adults, they combat loneliness; for younger adults, they create new friendships and for families, they make exercise a shared experience rather than an individual chore.
Pickleball is also incredibly inclusive for people with mobility challenges or those returning from injury.
The sport can be adapted with slower-paced matches, modified footwork or softer play styles without diminishing the fun.
This flexibility allows players to stay engaged through different stages of life and maintain activity levels even when recovering from setbacks.
For people who may feel excluded from traditional fitness environments, pickleball offers a welcoming path back to regular movement.
The growth of pickleball has led to better facilities, more community courts and broader participation, which in turn makes it easier for newcomers to get involved.
Many leisure centres, parks and sports clubs now offer lessons and open sessions for beginners, so no one needs to feel intimidated when stepping onto the court for the first time.
Equipment is affordable and the sport requires minimal setup, making it one of the most accessible recreational activities available today.
Ultimately, pickleball stands out because it brings people together, keeps them moving and adapts to every stage of life.
Whether you are a child discovering sport for the first time, a parent searching for a fun way to stay active or a senior looking for low-impact exercise, pickleball offers something for everyone.
Its blend of fitness enjoyment and community makes it the perfect lifelong sport, and its global growth suggests that millions more will soon discover the same benefits.
For those seeking a sport that is easy to learn, enjoyable to play and packed with physical and social rewards, pickleball is an ideal choice.
It proves that exercise does not need to be complicated or high intensity to be effective.
All you need is a paddle, a ball and a willingness to step on court. The rest takes care of itself.
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British number one Aimee Gibson and her partner Alba Perez secured their second straight win at FIP Bronze Lyttos III this week.
This follows their FIP Silver Reap Hong Kong win last week to make it two wins in succession, an exciting feat for women’s padel, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shameeka Voyiya.
This week, the CUPRA FIP Tour returned to Crete for the third time in 2025 with the FIP Bronze Lyttos III, featuring both the men’s and women’s draws.
In the women’s main draw, Perez (67) and Gibson (84) won the title, their second in a row after the FIP Silver Reap Hong Kong last week.
They won the final 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 against Monica Gomez (75) and Claudia Escacena (107), who had won the FIP Bronze Lyttos I in June.
“I’m over the moon to win back-to-back FIPs with Alba,” Aimee told The Padel Paper. “I can’t really believe it.
“We played a really good tournament with some tough matches along the way. We were able to play a really high level in the final even though it went to three sets.
“In the third set we played a little bit better than them and took a few more risks.”
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The CUPRA FIP Tour is a professional, international tour of padel tournaments featuring many of the leading players across the world.
Formed in 2019, the CUPRA FIP Tour is just one step below the Premier Padel Tour and it’s where professional players begin as they hone their skills and continue to work up their rankings.
Gibson and Perez are now headed to a FIP Bronze in Bahrain, hoping to secure a title hat-trick before the left-handed Brit teams up with GB number two Catherine Rose at the inaugural LTA Padel National Championship in Bristol from December 4-7.
“I am so happy with the progress I’ve made in the last few months. Credit to Alex, my coach at Rocks Lane in London,” said Gibson.
“We don’t get to spend much time together and yet he’s able to help me when I’m back in the UK, even if it’s just for a couple of days in between tournaments. That’s really been helping my game improve.”
Gibson has been in top form this season since her rise in padel, making her way into the world’s top 100 after only turning pro in 2023.
The 34-year-old’s FIP Silver Reap Hong Kong win is her third FIP Silver title of the season, adding to her wins at the FIP Silver Australian Open and FIP Silver Melbourne.
Heineken® 0.0 has announced a multi-year partnership with Playtomic, the world’s largest racket-sports community, set to launch with an interactive event in December.
The partnership aims to provide the brands with a fresh approach to connecting padel players by curating bespoke experiences designed to reflect each brand’s shared belief in quality socialising, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shameeka Voyiya.
A core feature of the partnership will be Open Matches by Heineken® 0.0, an event designed to broaden padel players’ social networks by connecting them to each other, ultimately turning each padel game into a fresh experience.
The feature will be introduced in December at the launch event, set to take place in Barcelona, where the two brands will unveil a pop-up padel court open to the public.
With many padel players choosing to participate in the sport to meet new people, the event is set to celebrate the growing cultural presence and social nature of padel.
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“Playtomic’s dedicated and vast community combined with Heineken’s commitment to quality socializing and refreshing beer will create memorable experiences for millions of players everywhere,” said Bram Westenbrink, Chief Commercial Officer for Heineken, in a press statement.
“Together, we’re building opportunities for players to meet and celebrate authentic moments in an environment that is rapidly growing around the world.”
Socialising is a core characteristic of padel that elevates the sport beyond competitiveness, with many players joining the sport for the social connections it fosters.
Antonio Robert, Managing Director at Playtomic, noted this when he said: “Padel is the fastest-growing sport, and by far the most social sport of our era.
“With so much potential to spark new connections through a game of padel, we’re delighted to have partnered with a global brand like Heineken® 0.0 who are so focused on helping people find others who share their passions.”
A partnership with a major brand like Heineken is a major milestone for the padel community, with Robert stating: “Heineken® 0.0 has recognised the potential in padel and Playtomic, and we want to turn every moment on and off the court into an experience that brings something new and exciting to padel players across the world.”
Playtomic is the world’s largest community for racket sports clubs and players.
Through its platform, users can search and book courts for padel, tennis or pickleball, connect with new players, find opponents, join groups and improve their skills.
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There now are brand sponsorships, celebrity hosted events, official drink partnerships and luxury courts.
Padel is no longer just a sport, it is a lifestyle, writes Sports News Blitz’s padel journalist Vanely Barumire.
The racket sport, unknown to many parts of the world only a few years ago, is rapidly growing and changing the way people view sports and socialising.
So how has padel become a lifestyle not only to take part in but strive for?
Before padel became a global phenomenon, it was part of the culture in a few Spanish speaking nations.
Its popularity in Argentina and Spain was unmatched, explaining the incredible domination of the sports by the two countries.
Popularised in Europe by Spain, the country has always embraced and integrated padel into everyday life long before it was trendy to play the sport.
With it being the second most played sport in the country, behind football, padel in Spain is a lifestyle. It was created as a couple’s favourite pastime and has kept its charm.
The sport, as competitive as it is becoming, is about socialising – something millions of people are getting behind and adding to their daily routines.
Movie stars and influencers are the digital age’s best marketers.
Helping create a whole world around a product, celebrity endorsements are unmatched marketing tools and many have been a promoter for padel without realising it.
With big names such as Tom Holland, Jurgen Klopp, Lionel Messi and more linked to the sport, padel has become aspirational.
It is something people want to try as a way to understand how their favourite footballers use it to help with their mental health – or why their go-to influencer swears by it as the best new form of cardio.
Padel is slowly being integrated into the lives of people, at a rate that not many sports have done.
Many people’s love of sports is generational or from a young age, but padel, with an emphasis on accessibility, has come along and placed itself the ‘it’ sport.
And much of it has to do with the famous faces attached to it.
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”It’s a way of connecting. It’s a way of feeling connected. It’s a whole new way of socialising;” says Andi Neugarten-Maio, founder of 6LoveSports. And she’s right.
Padel is becoming one of top choices for professional networking.
Its combination of a physical activity in a relaxed manner is replacing traditional pub setting for work catch-ups, especially in an era hyper focused on fitness and wellbeing.
Appealing to different demographics and ability, a padel court has become one of the go-to places for office catch-ups and socialising.
What was once just a fun sport is now part of the professional landscape and crucial for networking.
And, perhaps the popularity of padel as a lifestyle would not be possible without one thing – social media.
Lending itself well to the clean girl aesthetic of the last few years and embracing a more relaxed, wellbeing look at sport due to its social aspect, padel has taken over social media feeds.
Every other video, this summer, was about people trying padel for the first time or a player’s journey to becoming professional.
The racket sport has become a part of many young people’s lives, with 19% of players being Gen Zers and social media has helped promote it.
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International Padel Federation (FIP) and its continental body, Padel Asia, announced a historic milestone in the development of the sport on Monday: padel has officially been recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and is set to be included as an official sport in the upcoming editions of the Asian Games.
The Council noted that the recognition will further support the growth of padel globally, and particularly across Asia, through its formal inclusion in future Asian games, according to a press release.
The milestone follows padel’s recent inclusion in the European Games 2023, the South American Games 2022 and the upcoming Mediterranean Games 2026, writes Sports News Blitz‘s Shameeka Voyiya.
Luigi Carraro, FIP president, expressed his excitement in a press release, stating: “It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we welcome the news that the OCA has unanimously decided to recognise Padel as an official sport of the Asian Games.
“The timing of this announcement, coinciding with the FIP World Cup Pairs in Kuwait, is perfect — a testament to how padel is increasingly becoming a global sport and a major presence both in Asia and around the world.”
Padel has experienced significant growth in Asia, with now over 4600 courts across 1700 clubs in more than 30 countries.
This has been supported by the establishment of Padel Asia through strengthening governance and accelerating the development of the sport.
“FIP will keep working night and day for the nearly-100 national federations we represent – and all stakeholders in the Padel ecosystem – developing men’s, women’s, youth, amateur and professional Padel in all five corners of the world,” said Carraro.
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Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, who is the Director General at OCA, stated: “[Padel’s] inclusion in the Asian Games reflects our commitment to embracing emerging sports that unite people and embody the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence.”
The inclusion of padel in the Asian Games aims to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent on a global sporting stage, and the announcement coincides with the highly anticipated inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs held last week in Kuwait.
The next Asian Game editions are scheduled for 2026, with two major events on the calendar: Asian Beach Games in China (22–30 April 2026), and the Asian Games in Japan (19 September–4 October 2026).
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Bristol hosted its first padel tournament for deaf and hard of hearing players at Rocket Padel in St Annes on Sunday, the first of its kind approved by the Lawn & Tennis (LTA), highlighting inclusivity spearheaded by this fast growing sport.
The tournament kicked off at Rocket Padel – the largest indoor centre in England – with about 52 participants from around the country, writes Sports News Blitz’s padel journalist Shameeka Voyiya.
Padel is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, with courts being built across the country at a rapid rate and over 400 000 people participating in the UK alone.
This is a stark rise compared to only 129 000 players at the end of 2023.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing activities that I have ever seen in my life,” Mark Gill, community development officer at the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (CfD), told the BBC.
“It’s provided an opportunity for deaf people in the deaf community to be role models and to demonstrate [that] there is a thriving world here, there’s a thriving community.”
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Growing up, Mr Gill said he had always loved sport, but it was not always easy to get involved.
“There [were] a lot of barriers to communicating with hearing people and that led to a lot of frustrations at school,” he said.
He said he would like for coaches to have mandatory deaf awareness training, so that they can adapt their activities to be more inclusive for deaf people.
Organised after CfD was awarded the government’s Small Communities Grant, the tournament was the first-ever LTA-sanctioned deaf padel tournament where players could get ranking points.
Additionally, the grant money led to the establishment of Bristol Deaf Padel, which launched earlier this year.
Sebastian Cunliffe, organiser of Bristol Deaf Padel, said he said he feels “proud” of the collective that they have built and that their numbers are ever-growing.
“We’ve brought in people that necessarily would not have played sport, but also a diverse mix and all genders,” he said.
Cunliffe said that padel has a “great benefit on mental health and fitness”.
“There’s something about padel. When you play it, you’re just in the moment, engrossed,” he said.
“I’ve also noticed some people that weren’t necessarily involved in the deaf community now regularly come to padel and I can see how much that benefits them.”
Meanwhile, the European Deaf Padel Championship is set to take place in May 2026 to highlight the popularity of the sport in the deaf and hard of hearing world.
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Tennis is one of the world’s most popular racket sports, played by millions across the globe, writes MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster.
Whether it’s on grass, clay, or hard courts, the aim is simple: hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s court in a way they can’t return it.
Played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), tennis combines physical skill, strategy, and endurance, making it a sport for life.
Every point begins with a serve.
If the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s called a let serve, and the serve is replayed.
Tennis uses a traditional point-based scoring system:
If the score reaches 40–40, it’s called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points, one to gain advantage, and one to win the game.
A set is won by the first player to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead). If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is usually played to 7 points. A Match is typically best of 3 sets (women) or 5 sets (men in major tournaments).
In doubles, the server serves from behind the right-hand court and must hit diagonally to the opponent’s correct service box.
Once the serve is successful, the rally begins. Players can hit:
The ball must land inside the lines of the opponent’s court. A shot landing on the line is considered in.
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You win a point when your opponent:
A fault occurs if:
Two consecutive faults = double fault, and the opponent wins the point.
Mastering these small details helps your game feel professional and fair
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MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster, who works with the UK’s home of padel, tennis & pickleball competitions, provides a guide to all the rules for pickleball.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the UK and worldwide. It blends the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into a fun, fast-paced game that anyone can play.
Played on a small court with paddles and a perforated plastic ball, pickleball is easy to learn but offers plenty of tactical depth for competitive players.
Pickleball uses a unique rally scoring system where:
A typical score is announced as the server’s score – receiver’s score – server number (e.g. “4–2–1”).
After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying:
After these two bounces, players may volley or play off the bounce freely.
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The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is the seven-foot area on both sides of the net.
This rule keeps rallies fair and encourages placement and strategy over pure power.
A fault occurs when a player:
When the serving team commits a fault, the serve passes to the next player or to the opposing team.
In doubles pickleball:
Proper serving rotation keeps the game balanced and ensures fair play.
Learning these simple rules early prevents confusion and keeps matches flowing smoothly.
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Ahead of the FIP Euro Padel Cup Final this week, Great Britain’s No. 1 player Aimée Gibson and GB No. 3 Tia Norton have shared their top tips to elevate your padel game.
The 2025 FIP Euro Padel Cup Final 8 is currently underway and set to conclude on Saturday 25 October in Cadiz, Spain.
This marks the final phase of this year’s Padel Cup, which began in July, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shameeka Voyiya.
With a record 37 men’s teams and 31 women’s teams entered this year, the tournament has now been divided into three phases, beginning with Europe’s smaller nations battling it out in Phase 1 (7-10 July).
The top five men’s and top four women’s teams from Phase 1 move on to Phase two, which immediately follows at the same venue in Madrid.
Phase 2 was organised into four groups of four (4×4), playing a round-robin format, which involves every player battling every other participant an equal number of times.
This is a popular format in padel that ensures each player gets to play against each other and with different partners.
Each of the four men’s and women’s group winners will qualify for Phase 3, known as The Final 8.
World No. 1 Aimee Gibson and World No. 3 Tia Norton are set to represent GB at this week’s Final 8, and they shared top tips to improve one’s skills in this fast-growing sport.
Both Gibson and Norton shared excitement to compete with the likes of padel powerhouses Spain and Italy.
“It was amazing for us to qualify, to be amongst Spain and Italy,” said Gibson, according to Sports Gazette.
“It’s going to be tough but we’ve all said it will be interesting to see how our level compares to the likes of Spain. Hopefully we can get some wins as well.”
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Unlike in tennis, padel features glass walls that surround the court where the ball is allowed to hit the back glass after one bounce.
Gibson and Norton emphasised that using the glass is essential to amping up your padel playing skills.
“The glass is your friend,” said Gibson, according to Sports Gazette.
“I would suggest trying to let the ball hit the glass when you’re starting. Even if you miss it, just get used to letting the ball go past you.
“Coming from tennis, I was always trying to volley it or hit it before the glass. But once you get more confidence and you get used to it, it’s easier to deal with.”
Norton agreed: “Try to use the glass as quickly as you can.
“It is really foreign to have something behind you so people tend to neglect it and then get into the habit of hitting everything before the glass.
“I would say just try and use it as fast as possible and get into the habit of doing it. The more you do it, the easier it will become.”
The pros also advised against attempting to overpower your opponent, despite it being tempting.
“My top piece of advice is to not hit the ball as hard as you can,” Gibson said.
“When people step onto a padel court they tend to want to smack it and win the point as fast as possible, like tennis.
“But padel is a little bit more about control and building the point more so that you’re able to finish it. If you hit it too hard the ball’s going to come back easily for your opponent.”
Above all, Norton highlighted the importance of having fun on the padel court.
Speaking at the Pro Am Padel Tour National Final last week, she said: “Have fun! Padel is a really big community sport.
“Like you can see here today, we’ve got pros, we’ve got celebs, we’ve got a big community feel to the environment.
“That’s one of the reasons I started playing – you almost feel like a little family.
“With the padel space growing a lot, there’s lots of new cultures and diversities coming into it. The biggest one is to enjoy it.”
Gibson said the supportive nature of the sport is one of the reasons she looks forward to representing GB at The Final 8 this week.
“The team is so nice, we all support each other, especially on the side,” she said.
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