UK Padel Boom Sparks Safety Alarms as rushed Builds Put Players at Risk

UK Padel Court Surge Raises Serious Quality and Safety Concerns

Rapid Growth Creates Pressure and Risk

Padel’s rise across the UK has been nothing short of explosive. Courts are appearing almost everywhere, and projections suggest the country could hit 2,000 courts sooner than expected. But behind the excitement sits a growing unease. Industry experts are warning that this rapid expansion—fuelled by demand and competition—is pushing some operators to cut corners, compromising both build quality and player safety.

Richard Shaw, CEO of the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), has become a vocal critic of these rushed projects. His stance is firm: growth means nothing if safety is left behind. The warning turned painfully real when two men lost their lives and another was seriously injured while unloading padel glass panels from a truck. A stark reminder that, in this booming industry, mistakes can be fatal.

Weak Builds and Unsafe Designs Becoming Common

As new companies scramble to claim their share of the market, inconsistency in court construction has become widespread. Some installers—eager but inexperienced—are skipping essential steps, leading to costly and dangerous outcomes. Shaw recalls several extreme cases where SAPCA had to intervene. One club, for instance, ended up with what he humorously but bluntly described as “a giant fish tank.” The contractors had used non-porous concrete, causing water to pool beneath the structure. The court became unstable, unsafe, and ultimately unsalvageable. Everything had to be torn out and rebuilt from scratch.

But the problems don’t end with poor construction. Neglect is also creeping in. Courts with loose glass panels, gaps wide enough to trap fingers, and structures badly maintained have all been reported. Shaw has also raised concerns about accessibility, an area many new operators fail to consider. Some venues still rely on inaccessible portaloos or lack basic facilities for wheelchair users—an oversight that leaves large groups of players excluded.

SAPCA Pushes for Stronger Standards

To bring order to the fast-moving sector, SAPCA introduced its Code of Practice for Padel Court Construction in 2021, later updating it to address new challenges. Shaw admits that the sport’s surge “caught the organisation cold,” but says there’s now a stronger push to educate operators, set higher standards, and ensure courts are built to last.

He believes that as more courts emerge, customers will naturally gravitate toward better-built facilities. Over time, this could push substandard courts out of the market, lifting the overall quality and safety of the sport.

Conclusion

The UK’s padel boom is a welcome development for the sport, but its rapid pace brings real risks when quality and safety are overlooked. SAPCA’s warnings underline the urgency of proper construction, regular maintenance, and accessible facilities. By following stronger standards, operators can support growth that is not only fast—but responsible, safe, and sustainable.

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