The first comprehensive report into the development of padel in the UK was published this week – and amongst its many fascinating conclusions are concerns about the game’s accessibility.
The UK Padel Report was researched and written by Ray Algar, Managing Director of Oxygen Consulting. His specialist interest lies in sport and physical activity’s role in improving public health, particularly tackling the inactivity crisis.
Ray’s new report investigates padel’s potential to make a positive societal impact, as well as examining opportunities, challenges and growth paths that are unique to the UK. It offers individuals and organisations committed to developing padel the insights needed to promote a sustainable and inclusive padel ecosystem.
As previewed by The Padel Paper back in January, one of the report’s starkest findings is that the UK’s nascent padel ecosystem is already at risk of becoming exclusive rather than inclusive.
Only 3% of padel venues in England are in the most deprived areas compared to 18% in the most affluent areas – a disparity of 6.5 times. As the report states: “Without intervention, padel risks mirroring the early UK gym industry, which initially catered to wealthier individuals and communities before evolving into a more accessible market.”
The report also finds that high court fees risk making the sport inaccessible to a large percentage of the population, especially those whose participation in sport and physical activity is lowest. Establishing a sustainable pricing model that appeals to both regular players and new participants will be crucial for long-term growth.
The UK Padel Report includes a survey which found that 86% of padel players have prior experience in tennis, squash or badminton, indicating that, at present, padel is drawing mainly from existing racket sports rather than attracting a completely new player base.
The report includes five-year growth projections which suggest that the UK may have between 1,143 and 2,656 courts by 2029 (from our total of around 800).
With courts in Britain currently concentrated in the south of England (72%) and nearly half of people surveyed reporting difficulties booking courts, there is huge scope for expansion across the country and unmet demand to play.
As the report states, the emergence of a new racket sport is a “once-in-a-century event.” Whilst padel is in the midst of this unprecedented explosion, ensuring its growth extends beyond affluent areas is crucial for maximising its impact.
You can download the UK Padel Report by Ray Algar for £250 + VAT here.
Although I have not seen the full report, I am surprised that 55% of courts are outdoor or uncovered. I perhaps could accept that 55% of sites have uncovered/outdoor courts.
Has anyone seen the full report?
How does the author propose that investor get a return on investment?
Ultimately, the growth is funded via commercial companies needing to make a profit and obtain a return on investment.
“Without intervention, padel risks mirroring the early UK gym industry, which initially catered to wealthier individuals and communities before evolving into a more accessible market.”
Who does the author suggest should intervene? If the pathway to more accessibility is an evolution from exclusivity, is that not a normal/standard progression?
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