Padel tennis, Europe’s fastest growing sport, arrives in Bristol

Padel tennis provider Padel4all is set to open the largest padel centre in the South West, bringing the world’s fastest growing sport to Bristol. Padel is easy to play, fun and sociable, and it’s currently enjoying a surge of interest here in the UK on the back of celebrity endorsements and growing court availability.

Padel4all, located at Lockleaze Sports Centre, is creating four state-of-the-art outdoor, covered padel courts. They’ll provide full and extensive coaching programmes, introductory courses for beginners and community outreach initiatives to serve the sport up for Bristol and make it accessible for all.

The game, which is a hybrid of tennis and squash, is played on an enclosed court slightly less than a third of the size of a tennis court; always as doubles. The rules and scoring are the same as tennis, although serving is under arm and the ball can be played off the walls. The padel racket head is typically made of high-density foam and the balls are just like tennis balls. But the big pull is its much easier, making it far more accessible than other racket sports.

Recognised as the fastest growing sport across Europe, with over 20 million players worldwide, the game orig-inated in Mexico and extended to South America before sweeping across the European continent – particular-ly in Spain and Portugal. 

Padel4all is keen to make the game inclusive to all ages and abilities, offering both ‘Pay and Play’ packages, as well as its membership offer, PadelPlus. Aimed at those players wanting to play more often, PadelPlus mem-bership brings many additional benefits, including discounted court fees and 14-day priority booking period. 

People can purchase the membership online with a limited pre-opening membership offer running up until 31st July or until 100 members sign up. The offer consists of 15 months membership for the price of 12, along with a free court for family and friends and a coaching session on the weekend before opening, as well as some branded goodies. Those interested will need to use the promotional code: CODE LL100 when they sign up.

Padel4all has already successfully built and are operating sites in Southend and Swindon and has plans to open at least four more centres within 12 months across the UK. 

Padel4all CEO and Founder Christopher Wilkinson explains: “Padel is a highly enjoyable sport for all. It is super easy to learn, ideal for any age (from 6) and ability and is as much fun as it is great for fitness and wellbeing. We were excited to build a centre in Bristol, which has a thriv-ing sporting heritage and a cosmopolitan community keen to try new and interesting things. We’re seeing huge excitement and enthusiasm for our centre which will open at 8am on 1st August.”

Tony Wright, CEO of Lockleaze Sports Centre comments: “We are delighted to be the home of what will be Bristol’s only Padel centre. 

“It is great to be in partnership with Padel4all, who has been involved in the creation of our 4 courts. We are receiving daily interest in this innovative addition to sport in Bristol, both from the local Lockleaze community and from across the city.”

To keep informed on all the news and launch events at the Padel4all centre at Bristol Lockleaze head to Padel4all.