Padel is a new trend and is developing fast in the Netherlands. It is expected that the sport will grow to 100.000 players in 2024. There are already several padelcenters in greater Rotterdam. A large tennis hall in Bleiswijk is now also transformed into Padelife, with six brand new panoramic padel courts.
The first games are already being played, while the padel centre is still under construction as the restaurant, shop, and lounge are not ready yet. In January 2022, all facilities will be completed. During this opening month, there will be events every weekend to get acquainted with padel and Padelife.
Padel originated in Mexico as a cross between tennis and squash. It came to the Netherlands via Spain. In Spain, padel is almost as big as football among young people. Here the expansion is in full swing. The sport is dynamic and social as you always play with four.
Many athletes play padel on the side (Robin van Persie is a big fan for example). It is an accessible sport and even without lessons, you can have fun playing it. With the booking app Playtomic, it’s easy to join up with another player who is missing a player.
Padelife chose high-quality courts. ”We want to be accessible to players of all levels, from the whole region, including professionals who come here to play tournaments and competitions,” says Boy Brons on behalf of Padelife. Padelife’s hall has sufficient height to be able to organize official competitions. This month, the company received the Kiwa certification and thus also meets all the safety requirements that the KNLTB has established for courts where competitions and tournaments are played.
More than padel
Besides the courts, a lot of attention is paid to hospitality. ”We like it when players stay with us before or after their match. To relax or to work for an hour,” says Thomas Hanssens who is responsible for the marketing of Padelife. It’s even possible to have a business meeting before or after a game because there is an event room that can be rented to companies or families.
