From Sport of the Elites to National Pastime: The Rise of Padel in South Africa
Padel has been making waves across South Africa, evolving from niche sport enjoyed by a few to a fast-growing phenomenon played by anyone and everyone across the country. In the last year alone, there was an estimated 300% increase in players nationwide, with new courts and clubs springing up across cities, suburban areas, and coastal towns to meet the demand.
So, what's driving the rise of padel?
Initially captivating elite circles, the sport has surged in popularity here thanks to South Africa’s favourable climate, padel’s social appeal, and its accessibility for players of all ages and levels.
Padel combines elements of two other very popular racket sports - tennis and squash - but also uses glass walls that allow for unique angles and bounces. The game emphasises strategy, reflexes, and teamwork, making it ideal extremely easy to get started and enjoy playing from the beginning. Padel's social, inclusive nature has made the sport a hit, fostering a strong sense of community and social connection among South African players.
Numbers That Speak to the Growth
Across South Africa, the numbers are impressive. Facilities in Johannesburg have doubled in just two years, and Cape Town has seen a similar increase. Dedicated padel clubs host regular events and tournaments, drawing hundreds of new players each month. The rapid expansion speaks to the sport’s resonance with South Africans, who are embracing padel as both a fitness activity and a social experience.
A Potential Game-Changer for Schools
The growth of padel in South Africa isn’t just limited to adults. As the sport gains traction, schools are increasingly interested in adopting it as part of their athletic programs. Many South African schools, known for their strong rugby, cricket, and tennis programs, are now looking to padel as a complementary sport that offers its own unique benefits. One early adopter school was the prestigious Michaelhouse in KZN, who opened their courts in 2023.
There is a significant opportunity for youth tournaments and leagues within schools, which could feed into a larger national framework for padel at a junior level. With its ability to draw mixed-age teams, padel promotes inclusivity and builds camaraderie among students - a key driver in the sport’s popularity globally. If this trend continues, it’s entirely possible we’ll see padel become a mainstay in South African school sports within the next five years.
Community and Corporate Support
The rise in padel’s popularity has attracted the attention of corporate sponsors and community organizations who recognize the its potential. Large brands have started sponsoring tournaments and events, seeing padel as an opportunity to reach a growing, engaged audience. As community interest grows, so does investment in infrastructure, with dedicated padel clubs and accessible, community-focused facilities springing up.
The Road Ahead: Will Padel Continue to Grow?
The future of padel in South Africa looks very rosey indeed. Us veteran players all know that once you play your first game, it can be incredibly difficult to put down your racket.
As its appeal broadens beyond city centres and new courts emerge across various provinces, padel is positioned for steady, sustainable growth. With more facilities making the sport accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, padel has the potential to become a real fixture in the South African sports landscape.
The rise in local tournaments, official leagues, and community events signals that padel is moving beyond a passing trend to become a social and athletic staple. Globally, there is talk of padel being included in the next Olympics, which would only serve to increase popularity fin the country further.
South Africans are naturally drawn to the sport’s unique mix of fun, fitness, and connection. As awareness spreads, it’s easy to imagine South Africa sitting at the helm of a padeling 'new-world' in the years to come.
Have a good week,
James & Jacques
