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As the sport of padel continues to gain traction across the United Kingdom, a concerning trend has emerged: only 30 per cent of its players are women. This disparity highlights a pressing need for initiatives aimed at fostering female participation in what is becoming one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. With the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) set to release new participation figures soon, the call for action to create a more inclusive environment is louder than ever.
The Popularity Surge of Padel
Over recent years, padel has captivated sports enthusiasts with its unique blend of tennis and squash. The sport’s appeal spans various demographics, enticing players of all ages and skill levels. However, while the number of courts and players increases, the gender divide remains stark. As Tom Murray, head of padel at the LTA, notes, it is essential to dismantle barriers and create pathways for women and girls to engage in the sport.
“The LTA is committed to opening up padel and ensuring that women and girls have meaningful opportunities to discover, play, and thrive,” Murray stated. His comments reflect the growing awareness within the governing body of the need for initiatives that promote gender equality in both tennis and padel.
Empowering Women in Padel
Pepita Stonor, who began her padel journey in 2020, quickly recognised the demographic imbalance in the sport. “It was social and fun, but there were no women,” she recalled. Motivated by her experiences, Stonor established Empower Padel in September 2024, aiming to encourage women to not only participate but also remain engaged in the sport.
Stonor’s initiative has already attracted a database of 2,500 women and hosts numerous events designed to foster community and support among female players. She believes padel offers a unique opportunity for women to thrive in a sport that is easy to pick up but challenging to master. “When I introduced women to the sport, they really loved it and felt so much more confident,” she explained, noting the potential for padel to become a welcoming space for those who may have never engaged in sports before.
The Need for Change
The urgency for addressing the gender imbalance in padel cannot be overstated. Stonor emphasises that as the sport is still in its formative stages in the UK, there exists a rare opportunity to create a balanced foundation. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she asserts, comparing it to the historical struggles faced by women in sports like football, where efforts are being made to rectify long-standing inequalities.
She is particularly concerned about the competitive level, citing a report that revealed only 28 per cent of top padel players are women. This disparity is echoed in local competitions, where girls’ events often face cancellation due to lack of participation. “Many competitions have 20 boys but very few girls,” Stonor noted. She urges parents and family members to encourage the young girls in their lives to take up the sport, highlighting the importance of community support in driving change.
Creating Inclusive Environments
To combat the gender gap, the LTA is implementing programmes such as dedicated women and girls-only sessions, providing an inclusive atmosphere that can help build confidence and foster connections among players. By ensuring that venues across the country are welcoming and supportive, the LTA aims to create spaces where women feel empowered to participate freely.
As more women begin to engage in padel, the hope is that the sport will evolve into a more balanced environment where both genders can compete and enjoy the game equally.
Why it Matters
The future of padel in the UK hinges on its ability to address gender disparities while the sport is still emerging. By fostering an inclusive culture that encourages female participation, the sport can not only enrich the lives of countless women but also set a precedent for equality in sports. As the LTA and initiatives like Empower Padel take steps to bridge the gap, there is a real chance for padel to become a beacon of progress, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this dynamic and exciting sport.
