❔ Question ❔
I’m currently in the process of building a padel club in Birmingham, UK
I’m currently in the process of building a padel club in Birmingham, UK and wanted to ask if anyone here has actually done something similar.
The model I’m working on is:
• Outdoor courts (2–4 per site)
• Covered with canopies (so usable year-round)
• Small café / social space
• Community-led programming
• Free daytime hours funded by sponsors
So more of a neighbourhood club vibe rather than a big leisure centre.
Has anyone here actually opened a padel club in the UK (especially outdoor)?
If so, I’d really appreciate any honest insight on:
• What caught you off guard?
• Biggest mistakes early on?
• UK-specific challenges (weather, planning, noise, lighting etc.)
• Whether outdoor + canopy works as well as expected
• Things you’d do differently if you started again
Trying to avoid learning everything the hard (and expensive) way.
Appreciate any advice 🙌
Comments (39)
u/CJBizzle2d ago
How high are you planning your canopies? Might be a struggle to make them big enough to provide protection whilst also high enough not to get in the way of the game.
2
u/Alternative_Pea_1612d ago
I play Padel in Asia. Most courts are covered rather than indoors. It can be made to work.
1
u/CJBizzle2d ago
Fair enough. Was just asking the question as I haven’t seen it. Thanks for the response.
2
Canopies will be 8m max on all sites, just to satisfy planning and ensuring approval
1
u/Beedux2d ago
Don’t bother with outdoor, it’s short term thinking. Maybe you will get some bookings from people who are desperate to play since other clubs are full, but there are indoor clubs currently being built in Birmingham. Eventually the market will become saturated.
1
Currently we have quotations with canopy height at 8m with side cladding coming down 3 m
1
u/twerppatrol2d ago
Live in Scotland and play in a lot of canopied courts.
Your 8 meters is sufficient for most players.
The biggest challenge with outdoor courts is the side wind. It can really drop the temperature; move the ball and get water on the courts making them unsafe. Would be worth understanding which prevailing direction the wind is coming from and plan to mitigate its impact.
1
Side cladding coming down 3m I feel will be sufficient, what do you think?
1
u/hueguass2d ago
My club has only outdoor courts and TBH its really annoying over the winter and times I was tempted to just postpone padel until weather improves, rain, wind and even the sun hinders the game. Id love some in door courts, but nothing around me!
1
Some people play all weather conditions, but I get the downside to outdoor. It just makes more sense than a expense indoor model with loads of operating expenses
2
u/Wise_Werewolf75002d ago
Why are you only doing outdoor? Canopies are a bit weird since they need to be VERY high. And that might defeat the purpose based on suns position, wind etc.
Also, padel outdoor is a “different” sport. Different speed, different bounces on the ball etc.
1
Outdoor model because starting with a low budget and trying to keep monthly expense as low as possible
1
u/Wise_Werewolf75001d ago
Indoor = clients year round, higher revenue
Outdoor = seasonal clients, fluctuating revenue
I play in Denmark and play at a facility with 15 indoor courts and 4 outdoor. The indoor courts are booked 3 weeks in advance and peak time is 1pm-9pm. I’ve never known anyone to pick outdoor. But then again, if that was the only option I’m sure people would book them.
I think if the cost of materials for an indoor and outdoor court is the same, then prioritize finding an indoor venue. UK’s weather is crap (like Denmark). Rain, wind, time it takes to dry the court… and a canopy? tbh I really think a canopy would be so annoying for lobs, balls that get smashed out and a player wants to run out and keep it in play etc.
Unless you’re in Asia, or Spain/portugal, I really don’t see it being a good business model. Especially not in the UK.
1
With a canopy we are hoping to achieve at least a average of 60% occupancy minimum
1
u/DaftDrummer1d ago
https://preview.redd.it/q1yz497mu0qg1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba2285a504b2d3358ab5ccffe4c9c765febd72eb
We have a perfectly fine outdoor covered arena with 3 courts at my club. The only time they are not occupied are during winter when it's freezing.
Works really well with high ceeling and covered sides.
Don't let people discourage you, they don't know what they're talking about.
1
👏🏼 much appreciated for the message! Definitely not discouraged, I know my business model/strategy inside out.
1
u/AreaStandard2d ago
We can help you in regards to it as I work for a company that builds courts for major companies in the uk and Dubai .
1
u/allygaythor2d ago
Which part of Brum? And also Brum is usually kinda cold and rains quite a lot.
1
Stirchley, city centre and Dudley - we have planning applications sumbitted and close to approval
1
u/allygaythor2d ago
Which part of city centre and dudley seems like a good location. Not sure about Stirchley tho.
1
u/Hot_Diet_12762d ago
I heard installing AI cameras was quite cheap (though this was in an indoor space). This holds a lot of appeal to me as getting recordings of my play is great
1
Court cameras will definitely be on some of our courts, AI tech is the future
1
u/BrummieBandeja2d ago
Brum is crying out for more clubs. The existing ones are squeezing every penny from us (more expensive than most London venues atm)
1
We will be affordable , accessible and inclusive. Out aim is to have 2/3 court hubs every 5 miles around Birmingham and midlands
2
u/Hot_Diet_12762d ago
A touch further afield but Solihull Arden is ridiculously cheap and great value. Brilliant club
2
u/Wetshortz1d ago
Newark that ‘padel club’ uk sounds similar it works really well, some of the nicest courts I’ve played on. You should go check them out. Try contact the owner he’s a nice guy
1
u/LeMaharaj2d ago
The covered courts near us were still unusable in high winds/rain. The best one had a marquee over them, sides removed in summer and then back up for winter
1
u/Haunting_Village3722d ago
Have a look at Manchester padel club in Cheadle in Manchester. It’s one of the best outdoor / canopy places I’ve played out.
1
u/hmm_n_hmph2d ago
Played a couple of places where wet surfaces have been a problem. I think on one the seal between the glass and turf was an issue (canopy court) and the damp travelled in and the other it was to do with damp proofing (where the courts were sunken). Getting the floor right impacts comfort and safety and is harder to fix after than some other things.
1
Foundations are the most important aspect of the build and then the installation is second
1