On World Padel Day this week, the LTA announced that around 1.5 million people now play padel in Britain. That's up from about 15,000 in 2019. We now have 2,445 courts across 682 venues.
I've been coaching padel since May 2025, and I've seen that growth up close here in Southport.
The numbers behind the boom
The growth has been staggering. Roughly 129,000 players in 2023, 400,000 at the end of 2024, 860,000 at the end of 2025, and now 1.5 million. Two-thirds of padel players also play tennis, so lots of racquet-sport fans are finding a new favourite. And more than 80% of venues run community outreach for children, young people, women and girls.
The LTA is also working with the Government on funding for publicly owned courts, with pilots planned at leisure centres and parks. If that comes off, it could make padel far more affordable and easier to try.
The catch: lots of players, not many courts
Do the maths and that's roughly 600 players for every court. It's why the best evening slots at clubs like Birkdale Padel Club disappear fast. The good news is there are smart ways to get more out of the court time you do book.
Three tips to make every session count
1. Book the moment your window opens
Pick your regular slot and be on the booking app when it releases.
2. Get coached, even occasionally
When court time is scarce, you want every hour to improve you. A single focused lesson on one shot, such as your bandeja or your positioning, is worth more than ten hours of repeating the same habits.
3. Join a social or a league
Americanos, Mexicanos and club leagues get you regular games without hunting for three other players.
Playing, or starting, after 40, 50 or 60?
I particularly love coaching older players, because I know how it feels at that age. Padel is friendly on the body, very social, and you can get good fast with the right technique. If you've been thinking about trying it, this is a great time to start.
Want to make your court time count? Get in touch to book a padel coaching session with me in Southport, Preston, and across Merseyside and West Lancashire.
Source: LTA figures via The Padel Paper.
