Last weekend’s UK Padel Under-15s Schools Championships attracted 104 players — including 35 girls — making it the largest junior padel tournament in Britain to date.
The championship, played at Rocket Padel Ilford, featured boys’, girls’ and mixed draws, with each school team comprising four to six players. All players were 14 or under as of August 31, 2024 (corresponding to Year 10 or below).
The competition began with a group stage format, leading into knockout rounds. All fixtures before the final were timed 20-minute matches, with scores recorded at the sound of the whistle. The final switched to a champions shootout if the match was tied at one rubber each.
In the finals, Millfield, Whitgift and Clifton College (who all competed in the UK Padel Schools U18’s Championships in 2024) competed with two newcomers, Charterhouse and King Edward’s School Witley.
A key objective of the championships was to provide a competitive yet enjoyable experience for all participants. Recognising that padel is relatively new in the UK, especially among school-aged children, the event was designed to accommodate players with varying levels of experience.
Sue Church-Jones, Head of Games at Epsom College, said: “We loved it! The event was so well run. My kids were exhausted by the end, they had smiles on their faces whether they won or lost. They learnt oodles! I think we have just inspired the new generation!”
Nick Baker, CEO of UK PADEL, added: “I’m delighted we have delivered another first class event. I’m really pleased we have once again created a contrast to a traditional school sports event, killing the hanging around and creating vibrancy and energy. Well done to Rocket Padel for being great hosts and all the players and thank you to the school staff and supporters for helping us lift up padel.”
UK PADEL National Schools U15 Champions winners and runners up:
Mixed: Winners Millfield
Runners Up: Clifton College
Girls: Charterhouse beat King Edward’s School Witley
Boys: Whitgift 1 beat King Edward’s School Witley
The success of the event reflects the growing interest in padel among school-aged children. Following UK PADEL’s Under 18 event last September 2024, they now plan to introduce an Under-13 event as well as a Junior County Championships in November.
- U18 National Schools Championships in Bristol on Sunday 05 October
- U18 County Championships in Bristol on 29/30 November
- U13 National Schools Championships in January 2026 (venue and date tbc)
