Padel, a racket sport blending tennis and squash, has rapidly gained traction in Liverpool over the past year. Local facilities like Ignite Padel's new Speke center are drawing crowds for its social and inclusive appeal. Enthusiasts cite its accessibility and fun as key to its rise.
Liverpool's competitive spirit and love for trends have fueled the quick ascent of padel, a game played on enclosed courts in doubles. Introduced to the city around a year ago, it first appeared on social media feeds, prompting curiosity. Courts opened at the Vagabonds site on Queens Drive in West Derby, where newcomers like the author booked sessions with partners, soon realizing the doubles format enhanced the experience.
Ignite Padel, operating sites in West Derby, Speke, and Cheshire Oaks, launched an indoor facility in Speke in December with six indoor and four outdoor courts. This venue, located off Speke Hall Avenue, caters to growing demand, especially in winter. The company plans a new Liverpool site in the first quarter and an app offering user rewards.
Co-director Chris Watson, who started playing two years ago in Wirral, attributes the sport's boom to its inclusivity. "It doesn't matter what level you are... everybody can play," he said, noting WhatsApp groups match similar skill levels for competitive yet approachable games.
General manager Tom Buck, a recent convert, highlights the social side: "You could never have played a racket sport before and you can pick one up and start getting decent games going." He observes groups of friends opting for padel over pubs on weekends, appreciating facilities like showers that fit busy schedules.
The sport's ties to Liverpool FC, where courts at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby entertained Jurgen Klopp and players, added early buzz. Indoors preferred for consistent play amid weather variables, users track progress via the Playtomic app. Pricing starts at £44 per hour for indoor courts in Speke, making it accessible for social outings.
Newcomers often start with casual knockabouts, quickly hooked by the fun despite initial challenges. As one observer noted in a barber shop chat post-Christmas, padel has captured the city's imagination, blending workout with camaraderie.