From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
UK’s padel boom: 1m players, 2,000 courts
UK’s padel explosion draws 1m players but sparks local pushback.
In brief
UK’s padel explosion draws 1m players but sparks local pushback. The UK now has over one million padel players and nearly 2,000 courts, but local communities oppose the sport’s expansion into shared spaces. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Padel’s UK surge
Padel, a cross between tennis and squash, has exploded in the UK with over one million players and nearly 2,000 courts.
Laura Latham’s story
Laura Latham, a 42-year-old civil servant, started playing padel after a year of enthusiasm.
Local pushback in London
London communities oppose padel courts, citing noise and space concerns in areas like Bethnal Green.
Agnieszka Wood’s complaint
Agnieszka Wood, 52, helped stop a skating park from becoming padel courts, fearing space loss.
Soul Padel’s expansion
Soul Padel opened 16 pay-to-play courts in England and Scotland, targeting diverse groups like seniors and women.
Cost and access issues
In Stockport, players pay £11 for off-peak games, rising to £16 at peak times, while London costs are prohibitive.
Skatepark closures
Bethnal Green residents campaign against padel courts after a skatepark closed in August.
The main idea
The UK now has over one million padel players and nearly 2,000 courts, but local communities oppose the sport’s expansion into shared spaces.
