Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports – the exciting ‘new kid on the block’ that is attracting everyone from seasoned racket sports fans to complete beginners.
And the new Padel Social House in Brackmills, Northampton – the UK’s third-largest padel centre – has positioned itself at the centre of that growth, creating a space that blends sport, business connections and social interaction.
With 12 courts – 11 doubles courts and one for singles – the venue has tapped into something that is often missing from more traditional corporate sports like golf and squash. The founder of Padel Social House, Edward Dowdall, believes the accessibility factor is what sets padel apart – that anyone, of any ability, can come along and have a go.
Colleagues, friends and business associates can get together, learn the rudiments of the game if they need to, or set up a friendly tournament if they’re already familiar with the rules and format, and enjoy some friendly competition in a fun environment.
Edward said: “More often than not, padel is played as a doubles game. The court is an enclosed area which means the four players are more likely to engage in conversation and interact with one another.
“And, whereas you need a certain level of skill to agree to take part in a corporate golf day or a game of squash, padel is so easy to pick up, so invitations to join in can go out to pretty much anyone.”
The accessibility and social element is just one of the reasons businesses are increasingly embracing the sport. Boardrooms across the country are beginning to talk about padel as the next major corporate activity and at Padel Social House, which opened in April, companies are already using the venue for client hospitality events, supplier networking days and team-building sessions.
The appeal lies partly in how quickly newcomers can get involved. While tennis can be technically demanding for beginners, padel has a much lower barrier to entry. The scoring system mirrors tennis, making it familiar to many players, but the enclosed court and ‘forgiving’ style of play allow rallies to develop quickly. Even people with little or no racket sport experience often find they can begin to enjoy a game within minutes.
Edward added: “Typically, if we have a group in, the session will be two or three hours, depending on numbers, so that everyone gets plenty of court time. We’ll start with a bit of instruction so they can get a few games going. When they’re finished, we can provide food and drinks, or they might want to organise their own through a third party.
There’s a player’s lounge and function room and space on the mezzanine from where they can watch games. “It’s a nice venue to be in – clearly relaxed and friendly and not intimidating at all. Even the name, Padel Social House is part of the ethos of making everyone feel at home.”
Women-only sessions, family activities and children’s coaching programmes are all central to the business model, as are themed social events including Padel and Prosecco and Padel and Pizza. And while doubles is undoubtedly more popular, the venue’s singles court also provides an important stepping stone for beginners or a more private space for those who want to play with a family member or friend until their confidence grows.
The Playtomic app has become a key tool within the club, allowing players to arrange matches, join social sessions and connect with others of similar ability levels. Users have a rating that helps create balanced games and, reducing one of the biggest barriers to regular participation, to help in finding suitable playing partners.
It is a platform that simplifies the day-to-day administration and frees Padel Social House staff to focus on delivering high-quality experiences. Edward Dowdall added: “Social media is also playing a significant role in the sport’s rapid growth. It’s the new kid on the block and it’s an exciting time, seeing this sport develop. The courts themselves, with their clear walls and bright colours are aesthetically pleasing, and they make for a perfect social media backdrop.
Companies hosting client days or staff socials can extend the impact by promoting their activity across their social media platforms, so increasing brand awareness.”
The team at Padel Social House also believes youth engagement will become increasingly important if the sport continues its current trajectory. There is speculation that padel could one day become an Olympic sport, further increasing its visibility and long-term commercial potential.
“Children have so many activities going on that we have to compete with,” said Edwred, “so it’s maybe going to take a little time before they start to really engage, but padel is a sport that can be enjoyed at virtually any age.
“And for businesses, tapping into that momentum and using it not only to entertain clients and staff, but also to promote their brand and culture by becoming part of one of the UK’s most exciting sporting growth stories, is a fantastic opportunity.”
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