Empower Padel and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have officially launched a four-month pilot programme aimed at significantly increasing female participation in padel across Britain. By leveraging a network of female "Padel Activators," the initiative seeks to guide women and girls from their initial introduction to the sport through to consistent, long-term play.
Key Objectives and Milestones of the Pilot Programme
The collaboration focuses on creating sustainable growth through community-led engagement and measurable targets. The initiative includes the following core components and goals:
- Padel Activator Network: The programme empowers women and young women to act as community leaders, introducing newcomers to the sport and providing the necessary support to help them progress in their padel journey.
- Strategic Locations: New activations are launching at Padel Stars Basildon, Padel4All Eastbourne, and Pure Padel Lightwater, with an additional site to be announced soon. These join existing initiatives at Padel Hub Slough, Fleet, Padel4All Bracknell, and Padel Maidenhead.
- Next Gen Padel Festival: Specifically targeting players aged 16–24, this festival component aims to engage the next generation of female talent.
- Participation Targets: The four-month pilot has set clear benchmarks: 1,000 unique participants, 500 repeat participants, and 200 regular monthly players.
- Data-Driven Growth: Empower Padel will closely monitor participation and retention rates to determine which engagement strategies are the most effective for long-term sustainability.
This launch coincides with Empower Padel’s second anniversary, marking two years of significant impact since its founding in September 2022. Under the leadership of founder Pep Stonor—who recently became the first member of the padel community to receive the LTA President’s Award—the organization has built a robust foundation for the sport. Their achievements to date include growing a community of over 3,500 women, introducing more than 1,250 women and girls to the game, and delivering over 150 events both in the UK and internationally.
The initiative also emphasizes a clear pathway for participants. During the recent Next Generation Festival, 15 young women aged 16–24 completed their training to become LTA Activators. This event, which saw 80 registrations, highlights the programme's commitment to moving beyond simple introductory sessions by fostering leadership, coaching, and competitive opportunities for women and girls. Through this partnership, the LTA and Empower Padel aim to ensure that the rapid growth of padel in Britain is both inclusive and enduring.
