From a women’s niche to an assertive club strategy
In the UK, it’s no longer just a question of attracting more female players with a few targeted events. It’s becoming a real development issue. The starting point is clear: women still only represent around 30% of British padel players. Against this backdrop, PadelStars has decided to set a clear course: to achieve a 50/50 balance in its clubs by 2027. The operator, which already has 11 sites and six more in the pipeline, is starting from a female participation rate of 28%. This sends a strong signal to the market: gender diversity is no longer a marketing bonus, but a structuring indicator for a club that wants to grow sustainably.
To spearhead this project, PadelStars has appointed Fiona Coope as head of women’s participation, with former British number 1 Ellie Tait as ambassador. Their findings are clear. The obstacles are not purely sporting: lack of confidence in their level, discomfort at the idea of entering an overly masculine environment,self-image issues, concerns about safety around the clubs in the evenings, but also expectations about the quality of changing rooms and facilities. In response, the group is preparing a range of ways to get into the game: coaching sessions, tournaments, community events, links with schools, vacation camps and junior courses. This development is a contract extension to other initiatives already visible in the UK, such as the Empower Padel events, the World Padel Academy’s women’s evenings at Mansfield and the LTA’s She Rallies schedule.
The 50/50, a new test of maturity for British padel
This battle of the sexes actually tells a broader story about the maturity of British padel. The market is accelerating fast: the LTA has announced 860,000 players by 2025, 1,553 courts spread over 559 sites and over 10 million Britons interested in a first try. At the same time, the sport’s visibility continues to climb, with the arrival of a major international stage in London in 2026. Against this backdrop, aiming for 50/50 is not just about inclusivity: it’s about broadening the base of female players over the long term, strengthening club life and preventing a long-standing imbalance from taking hold too soon in a sport that is still in its infancy.
The example of Padel4all in Bracknell shows that rapid progress is still possible when the work is targeted. Opened on December 15, 2025, the site has seen use of the courts by women and girls rise from 22% to 34.8% in just a few months under the impetus of coach Meghan Ward. Dedicated introductory sessions, three women’s training sessions a week, a morning mix-in, a “Padel, Pizza & Prosecco” evening, a future women’s box league and slots for younger players have created an initial loyal core. This is precisely what lends credibility to the current discourse: parity has not yet been achieved, but it is no longer theoretical. In a country where projects for new courts continue to multiply, this quest for balance could become one of the best markers of market maturity. To watch this build momentum, read our article on the boom in new courts in the UK.
To remember:
- Women still account for around 30% of padel players in the UK.
- PadelStars is aiming for 50% female participation by 2027, with a structured strategy at club level.
- Padel4all Bracknell has already boosted female attendance from 22% to 34.8% in just a few months.
- Gender diversity is becoming a sporting, social and economic issue in the development of British padel.
