Why Padel is Taking Manchester by Storm..
We’ve already talked about the benefits of exercise for both body and mind, and how getting active outdoors in cold weather can be especially powerful. Running, cycling and team sports are great options, but there’s another sport that’s booming right now. It’s fun, easy to pick up, can be played outside, and only needs two people. Welcome to padel.
So, what is padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. It’s played on an enclosed court, usually with glass or mesh walls, which are used in play as well as the net. Courts are slightly smaller than tennis courts, making the game more tactical than physical, with an emphasis on angles and strategy over power.
The racquets are short, solid and perforated, while the balls are similar to tennis balls but with lower pressure, meaning they bounce lower and slower. The result is a sport that’s dynamic and social, with longer rallies and plenty of action without requiring years of practice to get good. Padel is probably the most rapidly growing game in Europe, even though it’s been around since the late 1960s. But why?
Padel is quick and easy to learn
It’s said that everybody can learn padel in less than an hour, to a reasonable competency level, whereas tennis can take months or even years to achieve a ‘good game’. This means that partnering up isn’t so challenging, and it’s the perfect sport for a couple to take up together where there are differing levels of fitness and experience.
Quick to learn
Most players can get to a decent level within an hour. Unlike tennis, which can take years to master, padel is accessible from the first game, making it easy for couples or friends of different abilities to play together.
Boosts your mood
Like any competitive sport, padel gets your adrenaline pumping and raises your energy levels. It also triggers dopamine — the “reward hormone” — especially when playing with friends. Many say this combination makes the sport addictive in the best possible way.
Good for your brain
Using the walls as part of the game means you’re constantly calculating angles and anticipating bounces. The slower pace compared to squash or tennis allows longer rallies, giving your brain as much of a workout as your body.
Above all, it’s fun
Padel is played for enjoyment as much as competition. Because skill levels even out quickly, the game feels inclusive and relaxed, with plenty of laughter and less pressure to win. That’s a big reason why players say they’re hooked from their very first session.
Where to Play Padel in Manchester
Club de Padel
(City Centre): Multiple indoor courts, equipment hire, and public matches for meeting new players.
clubdepadel.co.uk
Pure Padel Manchester
(Green Quarter): Indoor courts with a café, equipment hire, and private coaching new players.
purepadelclubs.co.uk
The Northern Club
(West Didsbury): Two covered courts for year-round play.
thenorthern.co.uk/padel
Soul Padel
(Stockport): We’re not just a venue – we’re a hub for meeting, playing, and building community.
soulpadel.co.uk
The Padel Club
(Wilmslow & Trafford): Not just a court with walls, it’s a society. It unites players, it starts conversations, it makes you laugh.
thepadelclub.co.uk
The Pollen Club
(Deansgate): Your ultimate hub for enjoyment, fitness, and community.
thepollenclubpadel.com
GET ON THE COURT!
Whether you’re looking for a fun new activity, a great workout, or a social way to stay active, padel is worth a try. Grab a partner, and discover why this sport is sweeping the globe!
Eddie – Monday 22nd September 2025.
