The game of Padel has certainly made its mark in the UK in 2025. It seems that every county, city and town is responding to this explosion in popularity with their own dedicated venues, communities and infrastructures to support the exciting sport.
Its journey from a niche activity to the fastest growing racquet sport in these isles is clear from the data too. In 2021, there were around 187 padel courts in the country and by the end of 2024, that number had rocketed to well over 700, with almost half a million players regularly active.
Padel Pointers
The game itself is a hybrid of tennis and squash that was actually created in Mexico over 60 years ago. Its recent boom is often attributed to the ease of access and relative simplicity for beginners to be playing consistent rallies and enjoy the high-paced thrills and drama of doubles games. Using a smaller court than tennis with less raw physical power and strength required than most other racquet sports also means that older players are making this a firm favourite for weekly activity.
As ever, social media has been a significant driver too, with advocates such as the UK entertainer Jason Manford using his platform to spread the word of Padel across the digital world, resulting in even more clamour for the courts.
Oxshott Takes a Shot at Padel
Oxshott is fast becoming a major suburban star for the county of Surrey. Its tranquil surroundings of woodlands and nature trails offer everything families need for a sophisticated rural lifestyle with modernity at hand and the city of London only a short train ride away. As you would expect, walking, cycling and jogging are all a real thrill to experience within such scenery and there has always been a strong tradition of tennis clubs in the county for a more exhilarating workout.
Initially, governing tennis bodies such as the Lawn Tennis Association were a little reluctant to recognise the allure of Padel, but now they are fully embracing the groundswell and have made it part of their overall strategy, including developing the spaces where Padel can thrive. That’s why the Oxshott Village Sports Club now has a dedicated Oxshott Padel Club to serve this wonderful community.
A Court for The Community
Two state-of-the-art outdoor padel courts can be found on Steels Lane with floodlights overhead to ensure rallies long into the evening. Since late 2021, everything one needs to begin their padel journey has been available at the Oxshott Padel Club. Its ultimate success has been so great that planning permission has reportedly been filed for two more courts to be built on the site. This clamour for the court has meant that there is now a waiting list to become an official member to guarantee booking ability. Looking for a guest spot may be the best way to begin.
Oxshott Padel Club is recognised as being home to some of the greatest facilities in Surrey. When looking for a pick-up game, the standard can be relatively high, although a class system of ability imposed on these games does attempt to even the playing field. However, it is always advised to schedule a few fact-finding sessions for yourself to find your suitable class.
Get With the Programme
With such a high volume of membership across wide demographics, the club also has a rolling programme of nights, events and activities to stretch your ability and find like-minded friends. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are adults only, booked up to 14 nights in advance through the online portal and mobile app. Mix-in sessions make up most of the weekend afternoons in a much more social way, with the clubhouse always available for a quick drink or spot of lunch when the game is over. Sundays are committed to reaching out to the next generation of padel lovers with teen coaching sessions led by the LTA Level 5 Master Club Coach.
There are always opportunities for drill sessions and private coaching if one would like to reach their next level at the game, so a chat with any of the coaching staff to arrange them is always the best initial port of call.
Fit for the Future
Before long, you may even have reached the standard for the annual Padel Finals Days that drive a healthy competitive element to the matches and mix-ups throughout the year. These events bring the whole Oxshott Padel community together in a spirit of support and socialising that makes them an important part of the overall OVSC calendar and emphasises how essential the sport is for the future of the club and its continuing development.
Whatever the level you are working towards, Oxshott Padel Club is an ace amenity waiting to serve the residents of this pretty Surrey village. It makes sense to step on the court as soon as possible to guarantee your own membership and become a part of this rapidly developing movement.
