Padel’s growing presence in the country’s friendliest city
In a matter of months, Glasgow went from having 0 padel clubs to just under 10 – a dramatic increase for such a niche sport. So why has it become so popular?
Many argue that padel is the new up and coming sociable sport, available to all ages, leading to the UK being in the top three biggest Padel markets and Glasgow being a top city for hopeful players.
The rules. Padel is a doubles racquet sport, similar to both tennis and pickleball, played on a small glass-walled court with two service boxes on either side and a net in the middle. The glass walls can be used to the players’ advantage as a rebound once the ball has bounced, or by hitting the wall to aim the ball into the opponents’ side of the net. The ball is only out of play if it hits the walls before bouncing, if the ball double-bounces, or if the ball hits the cage after a serve. The sport uses the same scoring system as tennis, with competitors playing the best of three sets.
Glaswegians and celebrities alike have taken up the sport with Scottish faces such as the Murray brothers and Gerald Butler adding the racquet sport into their training routines.
Some believe Glasgow to be hopping on the trend due to the accessibility of open warehouses and infrastructure that Scotland’s biggest city is home to, making it simple for these padel clubs to pop up without residents even noticing.
Social media sure is playing its part in the growing sport since padel was first viewed as a premium and “posh” sport. However, due to growing social media presence and celebrity endorsement, more accessible, community-based clubs have popped up across the city, allowing those from most corners of Glasgow to have a shot.
It is worth mentioning that Glasgow University provides students with their own padel club. Founded recently, the club trains at local facilities across the city.
Where to play in Glasgow. Whilst turning unused spaces into padel centres, it does mean that the majority of padel clubs are pretty difficult to get to if you don’t drive in the city. However, as more arise, these are some that provide a great start for Glasgow:
- GOLFIT!, located at Glasgow Fort, offers fully covered, outdoor facilities
- The Court Padel Club in Castlemilk is an indoor facility which also provides the popular workout – Pilates.
- Great Western Golf in Clydebank is a golfing range turned into a padel club, providing guests with an option of both luxurious sports.
Despite many more clubs also being on offer, Pure Padel is looking for more. The padel business is promoting turning landlords’ unused storage facilities into padel clubs, to “bring new life to these unused spaces and additional revenue to your club” as well as funding all capital costs whilst operating the entirety of the new club.
Initiatives such as this one open further opportunities for keen padel enthusiasts and beginners alike to get involved as much as they can, and clubs should work to promote this by providing accessible facilities for all.
Despite starting as a social media trend, padel has grown to a nationwide initiative, allowing not only a good run around, but also a social and unique environment for residents all around the country.
