Andrew Simister, organizer of the Inclusive Padel Tour UK Series, argues that the rapid expansion of the UK padel industry is failing to meet basic accessibility standards. Despite the sport's reputation for being social and welcoming, Simister contends that many new facilities are being built in violation of Part M building regulations, effectively barring disabled athletes from participating with dignity.
Key Accessibility Requirements for Padel Facilities
Simister emphasizes that accessibility should be a fundamental design requirement rather than an afterthought. When evaluating whether a club is truly inclusive for all players, he highlights the following critical features that operators must prioritize:
- Blue-badge parking: Dedicated, accessible parking spaces located near the entrance to ensure that players with mobility issues can reach the facility safely and independently.
- Accessible toilets: Essential facilities that must be included in all new builds; Simister notes that many current clubs provide standard restrooms while completely neglecting the needs of disabled patrons.
- Accessible showers: Properly designed showering areas that allow for independent use, ensuring that doorways and layouts are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs without causing damage to equipment or injury to the user.
- Step-free access: The entire facility, including the entrance and the path to the courts, must be free of steps to ensure that all players can enter the building unassisted.
- Access to upper floors: If a club includes amenities such as saunas, ice baths, or studios on higher levels, a lift must be installed to ensure these spaces are not restricted to able-bodied members only.
The core of the issue, according to Simister, is that the industry often treats these requirements as optional extras. He points to his own experiences, including a recent visit to a new club that featured luxury amenities like saunas and Pilates studios, yet lacked a lift and an accessible toilet. Even when he has attempted to engage with major health club chains to offer guidance on inclusive design, the response from the wider industry has been largely disappointing.
Simister is currently working to build a directory of genuinely accessible clubs to prevent disabled players from experiencing the humiliation of arriving at a venue only to find they cannot use the facilities. He maintains that if padel is to live up to its promise of being an inclusive sport, operators must move beyond viewing accessibility as a "box to tick" and recognize it as both a legal obligation and a moral necessity as the sport continues to grow toward 2026.
