As Padel continues to take our nation by storm, could we start to see Merseyside become a hub for the sport?
The region has always had a strong sporting backbone, so does Padel have the potential to be the next sporting powerhouse in this area?
As of 2024, the number of participants in the sport has risen from 129,000 to more than 400,000 according to the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association).
Nationwide, the number of Padel courts has grown from 50 to 350 since 2019. Prize money has also seen a great increase in the professional game, reaching €1.2million in 2025.
Game4Padel’s Lucy Mutch, believes there are multiple factors as to why the sport has grown so much.
She said: “Padel really took off in the UK after the pandemic. I think people really wanted to look after their health a bit more and connect with others a bit more after all the isolation.
“The sport had been growing elsewhere in the world, and particularly in Europe, so it was inevitable that it would make its mark in the UK.”
Padel is a game that involves a mix of tennis, where the scoring system is used, and squash, where they can play off walls.
Furthermore, the average price for a Padel court for an hour was just £7, which makes it quite accessible for the vast majority of people who show an interest in the sport.
As well as being a fairly accessible sport, Lucy believes that it is a sport that many people can get along with:
She said: “Padel is also an easy sport to learn so that has been a factor in its appeal.
“Almost anyone can enjoy a game of Padel no matter what previous racket experience they have, or how mobile they are, or how often they play, so that’s encouraged new people into the game.”
Within Merseyside particularly, there has been a growth in the number of courts being built or repurposed.
Celebrity drive from people such as Virgil van Dijk, and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, have helped accelerate the growth of Padel. Other footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also popularised it.
People from other backgrounds have also voiced their encouragement for Padel such as rapper Stormzy and Hollywood star Eva Longoria
Klopp in particular has had recent plans submitted to repurpose old tennis courts into Padel courts, but how much of an impact do celebrities have on the growth of this sport?
Lucy said: “We live in an era where you can’t ignore the power of influence and padel translates well to social media, as its highly sociable, fast paced and takes place in a relatively small space.”
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In the Northwest and Midlands region, 179 Padel courts have been built or repurposed, making it the second most for an area in the country.
In Merseyside particularly, courts have been proposed in Southport, Crosby and Formby.
In Merseyside as well, Lucy’s company Game4Padel have opened courts at the Liverpool Cricket Club in 2023.
She said: “We are seeing a strong usage of our Game4Padel courts at Liverpool Cricket Club, not just from members but people outside the club, and we are getting membership enquiries all of the time.
“Liverpool has always had a strong sporting background, so it’s no surprise to see that it has taken to Padel so well.”
