Padel continues to gain ground... both literally and figuratively. While the general public's enthusiasm is well established, a new trend is emerging among local authorities : more and more town halls engage in the creation of independent padel courtsBetween a sporting opportunity and a lever for territorial development, this phenomenon is part of a dynamic of reasoned development.

An accessible and intergenerational sport

An easily accessible, low-impact, and friendly activity, padel attracts a diverse audience: young people, families, retirees, casual athletes, and former tennis players. This broad spectrum of players contributes to its growing appeal.
Initially supported by private players, the development of padel now interests public authorities, aware of its potential.

“Every week we receive requests from municipalities, small or large, who wish to establish one or more sites,” confides a manager of YesYes Padel, a company specializing in court construction. “Padel is seen as a modern and accessible way to revitalize a sports space.”

The rise of autonomous padel

To meet demand while controlling costs, many municipalities are opting for so-called “autonomous” land, that is to say without permanent staff on site.
A formula that appeals due to its ease of management and flexibility of use.

“This model allows us to offer an attractive activity without mobilizing additional human resources,” explains an elected official from Brie-et-Angonnes (Isère), a municipality which inaugurated two sites in 2024.

The city has chosen the solution Anybuddy for booking management. This platform ensures the relationship with users, coordination with municipal services, real-time availability of the schedule, and a simplified and secure payment systemResidents can thus play à la carte, without a subscription, at any time of the day.

Digital tools for optimized management

In addition, the municipality relies on neop, a technological solution of access control dedicated to racket sports. Thanks to the creation of temporary access codes, synchronization of reservations or at the smart lighting management, the entire system aims to streamline the user experience, while guaranteeing complete autonomy.

These innovations allow municipalities to offer a modern service, while limiting operating constraints.

A lasting trend?

This orientation is part of a broader desire of the public authorities to promote the local sports practice, by focusing on equipment easy to install and maintain. Padel, by its compact format and its growing popularity, seems to tick all the boxes.

It remains to be seen whether this dynamic will continue over time or whether, like other disciplines before it, padel will experience a slowdown after its peak in popularity.

For now, one thing is certain: projects are multiplying across the country, and padel is establishing itself as a new sports development tool for local authorities.

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