Padel Tots, founded by coach Jo Patterson and investor Jamie Reynolds, is one of the world’s first early years padel development programmes designed to support the growth and sustainability of grassroots padel.
Launched this week at the Padel World Summit in Barcelona (with the help of its mascot Enrique The Bear), Padel Tots introduces children aged 18 months to five years to movement, confidence, communication, physical literacy and social development through structured, parent-supported padel sessions.
The programme has been built around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Birth to Five Matters framework. Its founders believe it will create a meaningful entry point to padel for families and communities from the earliest possible age.
Importantly for the industry, it’s also hoped the Padel Tots programme will help clubs activate off-peak courts, engage new demographics, increase community connections, build long-term participation pathways and create future generations of players.
Ten clubs in the North West of England have already signed up, with further interest from elsewhere in the UK and overseas. With support from early years education experts, Jo has trained and mentored a network of coaches and community activators ready to begin delivery.
Each Padel Tots sessions consists of four six-minute blocks delivered across the four zones (quadrants) of the padel court. With parental support, each child completes a variety of physical challenges that encourage specific movements and build confidence through repetition.
Jo, who specialises in junior and female participation across the north west with her company Connect2Padel, said the idea for Padel Tots was sparked by the sight of empty daytime courts at clubs she visits regularly.
Jo (pictured above) told The Padel Paper: “I was looking at these empty courts thinking, ‘What the hell am I missing here?’ Then this little kid came in with his mum and he was wearing a ‘Rugby Tots’ t-shirt. It was a lighbulb moment. It was staring me in the face.
“We’ve got a demographic who isn’t working during the day, has no presence within padel, can fill venues and address clubs’ off-peak occupancy problems. It’s a proper grassroots initiative and a total no-brainer for venues.
“I can give clubs something that’s consistent, progressive and sustainable, which capitalises on a demographic that has never been touched by padel. And what parent wouldn’t want their child to progress through key milestones while experiencing the trendiest sport on the planet?”
The Padel Tots launch party takes place at Ace Padel in Stoke-on-Trent on 28 June from 10am-1pm (register here).
“I want to leave a legacy of strong junior participation,” said Jo. “This isn’t about ticking a box. I am passionate about making a difference.”
