England losing tennis courts as number of padel facilities rises exponentially
Summary
England has lost almost 200 tennis courts in the past three years while the number of padel courts has grown rapidly, from 382 in 2023 to over 2,200 now. Padel is becoming very popular because it is easier to learn and play, and many new players are joining, although tennis courts still outnumber padel courts by about 11 to 1.Key Facts
- England lost 183 tennis courts between 2023 and now, the first decline since 2000.
- Padel courts increased from 382 in 2023 to more than 2,200 recently.
- As of May 2024, about one million people play padel in England, up from 860,000 in late 2023.
- Padel is played on smaller courts with rules mixing tennis and squash, making it easier for beginners.
- Some tennis courts have been replaced directly by padel courts, but the total tennis court loss is less than 1%.
- The Lawn Tennis Association credits tennis’s stable participation to court refurbishments and youth programs.
- Padel’s growth is strong mostly in northern England, with new courts built in cities like Sheffield, Leeds, and areas including North Yorkshire and Cheshire East.
- Padel courts are fairly evenly spread across different income neighborhoods, while tennis courts tend to be in wealthier areas.
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