Whether you have an existing sports facility or tennis club if your aim is to get more people through the doors, it will almost certainly help! The numbers generally surprise most clubs and you roughly get 180-200 players per week per padel court, providing you are doing a good job of renting the courts. But if you do want the best chance of being successful when build padel courts, here are a few considerations:
This is a crucial decision, both in terms of where in your club to put the courts and the direction/space it has. If you put only one padel court tucked away at the back of the club where nobody can see it, then it makes sense it is more difficult for you to get it busy. Padel is a more sociable sport than most, so the best place is within viewing distance of the café/clubhouse. Players bring their friends, families often play together and so it will benefit the club to have it in that location.
When it comes to the direction of the padel court, North-South facing is even more important than for tennis courts, owing to the fact that the back walls are glass. You could put a fabric across the back like tennis, but that completely defeats the purpose of having a glass court in the first place. We would also recommend not having it backing on to the car park. There is nothing worse than playing and trying to see the ball with hundreds of sun reflections shining at you from behind the court.
Give space around your court if you can. For official tournaments 2metres between courts is ideal, but even if you will not host those tournaments it is a good amount of space for people to have their equipment and change ends etc.
On a side note, you can actually get netting to go around the top of the fence that will stop balls going out. We would recommend this if you are on the perimeter of your club or next to a café/car park etc. The court manufacturer in most cases can provide this if you ask for it.
This plays a part in deciding whether to cover the court, the paint used, the type of grass etc. If your climate is rainy, then as you would expect a cover makes sense (the glass is very difficult to play with when wet). Nowadays you can find canopies or bubbles that can go over the courts, which we will discuss in the next section.
If you are near the sea, make sure you have a layer of protective paint or you will find the metal and bolts are quickly corroded.
Within environment probably fits the issue of planning permissions and this is something that it is really worth getting to know the system in the area you are planning to build. It is different in each country (and often different within areas of the same country!).
If you&#;re in an environment where you require a canopy or cover, then there are a few things to consider. The canopy should clear the width and length of the court by a couple of metres (or have sides), because rain will still get on the court if it is the same dimensions as the court. If the cover is only above, then you would want the court facing North-South due to the light at sunset. If the court it fully covered, then it is not relevant.
The height varies, but we recommend a minimum of 9 metres, if it can be 11/12 metres that&#;s even better. The courts should be placed under the roof so that it is even on both sides, not one side of the court sloping to the edge of the canopy while the other side has plenty of space.
In most cases where the weather is an issue, the cover can provide an additional 4-5 months of play and is definitely worth it.
There are a few different models of courts and plenty of companies that manufacturer them now. So lets discuss a few:
Concrete
This is how all the courts used to be built, concrete back and sides, then a netting along the side. It does the job, you don&#;t get the same amount of humidity on the surface of the concrete, so that is a benefit. But then you also do not get the same energy transference with the rebound. The big problem for the clubs with the concrete court is the viewing, as you can only watch through the side fence.
Standard
This is the basic model of court which has a metal support between each pane of glass around the court. Often with this type of court, as there&#;s the support the glass thickness can be 10mm (as opposed to 12mm). This court plays exactly the same as the other versions of glass court, with the viewing slightly interrupted due to the posts.
Panoramic
This model does not have the posts supporting along the back glass for better viewing. Glasses are held in place by the metal structure. There are various type of &#;deluxe&#; &#;special edition&#; &#;super duper&#; panoramic courts, with various aesthetic structures, but the principles are the same &#; better viewing.
Singles
There are singles courts that are available and some clubs are considering them. I would only recommend them if the club is absolutely full and you do not have the space to build a full size court. You might be able to do some coaching or junior hours on there, but I doubt they will ever be as popular as the doubles courts, as padel is built on socializing!
There are now plenty of companies that manufacturer courts, in different countries now too. All of which are relatively easy to contact through social media or a website. There are also plenty of &#;intermediaries&#; that essentially get you a quote from these companies if you are finding it difficult. It is definitely worth getting a few quotes when it comes to the project, because I have experienced differences in up to &#;20,000 for almost the same court. Many of the quotes from Spain (or most countries) can include shipping and installation, but might not include rental of cranes/local charges etc. Definitely read the fine print to know what is covered.
Another reason to order more than one court is that if you are shipping them, it can often be slightly cheaper as many companies can include 2 courts in the same shipping container. Many clubs are put off by an expensive quote, but if you get 2 or 3 you will realize the costs are not that high &#; even for quality (which we recommend above just getting the cheapest).
We cannot emphasize the importance of a proper foundation enough! We&#;ve seen many clubs put down courts on &#;flat
You want to hit the ball as flat as possible, this has three good reasons: Consistency A flat ball is harder for your opponents to hit back. This has everything to do with the fact that the ball comes down on the..
&#; surfaces only to find problems with alignment and the grass coming up etc. All the court manufacturers will provide the spec to make the foundation, but this is not an area to try to shortcut. It is not always so similar as to put a court directly on a tennis court. Consult the court manufacturer before ordering the courts to make sure your contractor knows what they are doing as far as the base.
We have talked about this in a previous blog post, which you can find here. But it does not make sense to put in 1 or even 2 courts. From a sport development angle you would be limited, as a coach will occupy half your available hours, there is not enough space to have proper tournaments. This is not even considering covering the costs of construction, which will be covered much faster with more courts. Almost every club that has put in only 1 or 2 have regretted not putting in more at the start and most are trying to get permission for more! Personally, I would be looking for 6+ courts if you are in any medium-large city in Europe (excluding Spain probably where the competition is fierce and 6 courts is considered a warm up area!).
This might sound like a really obvious part of building the court and the most enjoyable aspect to ponder on. But this will be critical, particularly if you are building in an area that is relatively new to padel and you don&#;t have an existing padel community. Spend time to find a good coach to manage the events and give lessons&#;and it will take time, padel coaches are not easy to find. A tennis coach dabbling in a bit of padel is not the same. Try to have your booking systems setup and staff trained in advance, because when the padel gains momentum at the club you will have a flood of interest. And lastly, but definitely not least, plan your social media and objectives for the club.
Having been involved in countless padel projects from start to finish, I hope I&#;d be able to answer your questions (and I am not sponsored by a court manufacturer so my answers will be completely unbiased), please feel free to and I&#;ll help where I can: [ protected]
Have you ever wondered about the necessary permits to construct a padel club? You're about to find out! In this article, we'll explore the essential requirements and provide you with the information you need to take the first steps.
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The required construction permits for creating a padel club may vary based on the location, but some common ones include.
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In addition to basic permits, specific additional permits may be required based on your location or unique club characteristics. Some of these might include.
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Ensure your padel club is accessible to all. Obtain an accessibility permit to ensure facilities comply with regulations and requirements for individuals with disabilities.
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If your padel club lacks its own parking, you may need an access and parking permit. Ensure compliance with local regulations to ensure proper vehicle flow and customer convenience.
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Due to potential noise from club activities, a special permit may be needed to comply with local noise regulations.
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If you plan outdoor events or terraces, a public road occupation permit may be required.
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You will get efficient and thoughtful service from fortune.
If you plan to install exterior signage indicating your padel club's location and services, a specific permit may be necessary. Ensure compliance with local regulations for clear and effective signage without violating norms.
Remember to consult with local authorities to ensure you obtain all necessary permits for constructing your padel club.
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In addition to permits, there are additional tips that can make a difference in creating a successful padel tennis club. Setting up a padel tennis club is more than just building padel courts. Consider aspects such as strategic location, spectator space, lighting, and social areas. Not only will you comply with regulations, but you will also create an appealing environment for players and visitors.
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The choice of location for your padel tennis club is crucial. Analyze the flow of people, assess the competition, and ensure easy access. A strategic location will significantly contribute to the success of your club. Proximity to residential areas, educational centers, and businesses can be a determining factor.
If your club is close to populated areas, you are more likely to attract local members and repeat customers. Additionally, being near schools or businesses can open opportunities for corporate programs or school activities, strengthening your club's integration into the community.
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Don't limit yourself to standard courts. Think big to provide an unforgettable experience for your members and visitors. The design of your padel club is a key element that goes beyond simply offering playing courts. It's about creating an environment that inspires, relaxes, and encourages socialization.
Consider creating comfortable spaces that complement the sporting activity. Strategically located resting areas not only provide players with a place to relax between matches but also offer opportunities for social interaction. A smart design not only focuses on the functionality of the courts but embraces the idea of turning your club into a destination where people feel welcome and comfortable.
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Exceptional customer service can be the foundation for player loyalty in your padel tennis club. Don't just provide a place to play; create a welcoming environment where every person feels valued from the moment they step onto your facilities. The quality of service is not only reflected in high-quality courts but also in human interactions that leave a lasting impression.
Invest in training your staff to provide quality service. From reception to coaches and maintenance personnel, each member of your team contributes to the overall player experience. Courtesy, promptness, and a willingness to help are essential elements that should be ingrained in the service culture of your club.
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Organizing events and tournaments is not only a strategy to generate interest but also a powerful tool to increase the visibility and connection of your padel tennis club with the community. By planning engaging and competitive activities, you will not only attract enthusiastic players but also establish your club as a vibrant hub in the world of padel tennis.
Diversify your events to attract a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced ones. Friendly tournaments, themed events, and social activities can create a varied calendar that keeps excitement in your club throughout the year. Variety not only ensures ongoing participation but also expands your reach to different segments of the community.
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Consider the possibility of enhancing the member experience through membership programs that offer exclusive benefits. It's not just about accessing padel tennis courts but creating a deeper connection with your club. These programs will not only incentivize participation but also establish a solid foundation for recurring revenue that supports the continuous growth of your padel tennis club.
Design membership programs that cater to the diverse needs and levels of commitment of your players. From options for casual players to premium memberships for enthusiasts, provide variety to attract different segments of the community. Customize the benefits to offer additional value, such as exclusive access to events, discounts on additional facilities, or even personalized training services.
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To conclude, we will share with you some key aspects to consider when building your padel tennis court. At MejorSet, we have years of experience in this field, and these tips will be helpful to ensure the success of your padel tennis club.
Before construction, carefully evaluate the terrain. Look for a location with good leveling and natural drainage to avoid future issues. A solid terrain provides a stable base for your courts.
Ensure compliance with standard padel court dimensions, but also consider surrounding space. Additional areas for spectators, resting zones, or future expansions can make a difference in your club's comfort and versatility.
Surface choice is crucial. Analyze options such as artificial grass, porous concrete, or glass, selecting one that suits your area's climate and your players' preferences.
Quality fencing and mesh are essential for safety and court boundary definition. Ensure the use of resistant materials that comply with regulations and provide an optimal gaming experience.
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Choosing the right net and posts is crucial for your court's quality. Focus on a durable and adjustable net, paired with robust and secure posts, ensuring not only regulatory compliance but also visual integration reflecting your club's identity.
At MejorSet, we use León de Oro net for our padel tennis courts. Choosing this net not only ensures durability and strength but also stands out for its carefully crafted design, meeting the highest standards of padel tennis enthusiasts.
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Proper lighting is fundamental, especially for nighttime games. Opt for efficient lighting systems providing uniform visibility across the court.
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Implement a regular maintenance plan to ensure your courts are in optimal condition. This includes surface cleaning, fence inspection, and addressing any potential wear and tear.
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Stay updated on technological innovations for padel courts. From smart lighting systems to cutting-edge materials, incorporating modern technologies can enhance the gaming experience and operational efficiency of your club.
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In summary, building a successful padel club involves understanding and complying with the necessary permits. From construction regulations to obtaining licenses, each step is crucial to ensure your project's success. Remember that you can contact us for assistance.
We hope this article has provided valuable information on the necessary permits for building your padel club. If you want more details on specific aspects or explore related topics, feel free to browse our blog.
If you're considering building a padel club, you might also be interested in our article "What characterizes a padel court?".
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