The rise of padel in the UK: Why everyone is talking about the sport
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the UK, with over 400,000 junior and adult players.
Here, MatchPoint Competitions writer Josh Foster looks into padel’s popular appeal.
Padel’s rapid rise in the UK can be attributed to a combination of accessibility, visibility and cultural adoption.
In 2020, there were 87 courts scattered across the UK, making it a niche activity largely confined to private clubs or small communities.
LTA investment
Fast forward to 2025, and there are over 1000 courts, reflecting both public and private investment, with The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) investing £6million in the growth of padel.
At the same time, increased media coverage, a huge surge in user-generated content across social media with endorsements from professional athletes, and partnerships with established tennis and leisure clubs, have boosted awareness and credibility by 43% just this last year.
Another major reason why padel is becoming so popular in the UK is due to the ease of learning the sport.
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Simple rules
Compared to tennis, which typically requires advanced technique and higher physical demands, padel has simpler rules and offers a much simpler entry point for beginners.
The rules are straightforward, the courts are smaller, and the gameplay is lighter, which makes rallies last longer and keeps new players engaged from the very first match, making it a great sport for all age groups.
Cost and time are other leading factors in its rise in popularity, with the ability to book sessions lasting from 60 to 120 minutes through apps and websites such as Playtomic.
Flexible booking
This makes it a flexible sport for many people with busier schedules to play.
A typical 60-minute session, depending on on-peak or off-peak slots, can only cost £25 for a court.
Another great part of padel clubs up and down the country is that many provide equipment for free, meaning the only cost is booking the court, compared to tennis, where there are much higher costs.
