By Craig Morgan | Bspoke Sports & Leisure
Padel — the fast-paced, sociable racket sport that blends tennis and squash — is taking the UK by storm. Once a well-kept secret in Mediterranean resorts, padel has become the hottest new activity for fitness fans, social players, and weekend warriors across the country.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the number of padel courts in Britain has nearly tripled since 2021. By early 2025, there were close to 900 courts spread across more than 300 venues, with over 400,000 people picking up a racket to give it a try.
What’s behind this rapid rise? Driving this growth are independent clubs, gyms, and investor-backed venues looking to meet demand for a sport that’s fun, inclusive, and accessible. But with this expansion comes increasing complexity — and insurance risks that brokers must be prepared to address.
A Game for Everyone — With Some Growing Pains
From young professionals to retirees, padel is attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. Clubs are springing up in city centres, gym chains, and even small villages. Some are purpose-built venues; others are tennis clubs adapting their facilities to meet demand.
But with growth comes new challenges. Local councils across the UK are starting to hear complaints from residents about the sound of padel balls hitting court walls — a repeated, loud noise some describe as “like gunfire.” In some areas, planning applications for new courts have been delayed or blocked due to concerns about noise pollution.
There are also safety considerations. As more people flood into clubs, operators must ensure their courts, fencing, lighting, and surfaces are well maintained. Outdoor venues in particular face risks from poor weather or structural damage.
Questions Brokers Should Be Asking Their Clients
Craig, Managing Director at Bspoke Sports & Leisure, added: “Clubs entering the padel space need guidance as much as protection — and that’s where brokers play a key role. Our job is to support brokers with products that are flexible, relevant, and built for the realities of grassroots and independent sport.”
Whether your client is a start-up club or a long-established venue branching into padel, we recommend exploring:
- Are court surfaces, fencing, and lighting maintained to avoid slips and impact claims?
- Does their existing policy extend to racquet sports or multi-sport activity?
- Are self-employed coaches and staff covered under liability or indemnity terms?
- Are outdoor courts at risk of weather-related damage or interruption?
- Are there any known risks related to planning permissions or community noise concerns?
Several clubs have already faced challenges around noise nuisance, with objections arising in suburban and residential areas — highlighting the need for thorough planning and coverage.
Covering the Bases: How Insurance Supports the Game
Craig comments: ” Padel is more than a passing trend — it’s quickly becoming a fixture in the UK’s sports landscape. Brokers who understand this momentum have a real chance to add value. At Bspoke, we’ve built our Sports and Social Club policy to meet the specific needs of modern sports venues — and to evolve with them.”
Our Sports and Social Club policy is suitable for:
- Independent padel clubs and racquet centres
- Multi-sport venues adding padel to their offering
- Community-run sports and social clubs
- Commercial gym operators introducing racquet courts
Let’s Serve This Opportunity Together
Padel is here to stay — and the clubs behind it need smart insurance solutions. With Bspoke’s Sports and Social Club policy, brokers have the tools to provide tailored cover that keeps pace with this exciting sport’s rise.
- Public liability for casual play, club nights, and open competitions
- Employers’ liability for coaching teams, ground staff, and volunteers
- Professional indemnity for coaching businesses offering private or group sessions
- Property and contents cover for courts, domes, fencing, surfaces, and equipment
“Padel may look low-contact, but it’s a high-energy sport with real exposures,” says Craig, “And with hundreds of independent clubs being launched or expanded, brokers have a valuable role in making sure the right protections are in place.”
To learn more about placing cover for padel venues and other sports facilities, get in touch with our underwriting team or visit our website.