At PADEL1969, we know that once you step onto the court, it’s more than just a game — it becomes a way of life. Across the UK, thousands are discovering that padel isn’t just addictive because of the fast rallies and laughter-filled points, but because it builds community, health, and happiness.
Of course, like any passion, it comes with a price tag. And for many players, it’s an investment they’re more than happy to make.
Padel: An Investment in Health and Happiness
Padel offers a unique combination: it’s highly social, easy to learn, great for your fitness, and incredibly fun.
When you find something that brings all these elements together, it’s only natural to want to invest time, money, and energy into it.
Joel’s Story: £100 a Week Well Spent
Take Joel Fraser, 41, co-owner of the brandy business Seven Tails. Joel plays padel four times a week near his home in Earls Court, London.
Between court bookings, rackets, shoes, and the obligatory post-match coffee, he spends over £100 a week on his favourite sport.
“Padel ticks all the boxes — fitness, fun, friends. Honestly, I’ll be playing until the day I drop,” says Joel.
The Cost Breakdown: Courts, Gear, and Coffees
Joel’s weekly costs add up like this:
- Court fees: £15-20 per match
- Monthly membership: £33
- New padel rackets: two at £300 each
- New shoes every six months: £120
- New balls for every game: £6 per pack
- Post-game coffees: £12-15 a round
While some may hesitate at the numbers, players like Joel see it as an essential part of a healthier, more joyful lifestyle.
The Rise of Padel in the UK
Padel’s popularity is soaring.
In 2019, there were only 50 courts in the UK.
Today, there are over 700 courts and more than 150,000 people playing annually.
Premium venues like Padium in Canary Wharf can charge up to £100 an hour for court time, but many local clubs keep prices affordable, encouraging more people to discover the magic of the game.
Gear Up: Why Equipment Matters
For passionate players, the right gear makes a real difference.
Chloe Burcham, 33, from Cheshire, joined her local padel club to meet people — and soon found herself investing in top-quality equipment too:
- Royal Padel Whip racket: £140
- On The Roger Pro 2 shoes: £190
“When you love the game, you naturally start caring about the right shoes and rackets,” Chloe says.
Another player, Alistair, 28, estimates he spends close to £7,000 annually on rackets, shoes, balls, and wristbands — a sign of how padel can quickly become a central passion.
Padel Culture: Where Style Meets the Game
Padel is about more than technique — it’s about style too.
Some players even coordinate their outfits with their rackets and grips.
At Manchester’s Club de Padel, the lifestyle side of the game exploded: their merch — hoodies, socks, and caps — has been shipped to almost every continent.
Padel has created its own vibrant culture: sporty, sociable, and stylish.
Apps and Tools That Connect the Community
Platforms like Playtomic have revolutionized how people connect, book courts, and arrange games — even with new players they’ve never met before.
Premium Playtomic memberships cost around £50/month but for many players, the ease of scheduling games is worth every penny.
From Inactive to Energized: How Padel Changes Lives
Before discovering padel, Joel hadn’t been active for nearly a decade due to a knee operation and a general dislike for the gym.
Padel brought him back to life — physically and socially.
Today, he’s stronger, healthier, and part of a thriving community.
“Padel is non-negotiable. It changed my life,” says Joel.
Why Padel is More Than a Hobby
At PADEL1969, we believe padel isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle.
An investment in padel is an investment in your health, happiness, and social life.
Health is Wealth — And Padel is the Proof
When you find something that boosts your fitness, brings endless joy, and builds real friendships, it’s not a cost — it’s a privilege.
Padel is proof that spending on your health and happiness is always money well spent.
We’ll see you on the court!
See a link to the original article at The Times by Roisin Kelly.
Author: Atte Suominen, Founder & CEO at PADEL1969
Inspired by: Roisin Kelly, The Sunday Times, Meet the padel addicts spending £100 a week
Need advice about how to build a benchmark Padel club in your city?
Contact us if you want to build a Padel club and want to avoid most common mistakes, save your money and time. You can contact us at [email protected] for more on our advisory services.
PADEL1969 | from Acapulco since 1969.
