Why Youth Padel in Asia Is Booming
Youth padel in Asia is booming as the next generation embraces the sport at record pace, and the numbers speak for themselves. Youth-focused padel clubs, academies, and even schools are introducing the sport into regular athletic programming.
In India, junior padel registrations doubled since 2023. The trend is similar in Malaysia, the UAE, and the Philippines, where grassroots programs are seeing unprecedented interest. A youth tournament in Dubai in 2024 drew over 300 players aged 10–17, with participants flying in from multiple countries.
Padel in Schools and Academies
What’s drawing kids in?
- It’s easier to learn than tennis,
- Faster-paced than most racquet sports,
- And highly team-oriented and social.
Many junior players are transitioning from tennis or badminton, attracted to padel’s inclusive and energetic vibe. Recognizing this, schools in Thailand and the UAE have added padel to their physical education curricula, further normalizing the sport among students.
Rise of Youth Coaching and Certification
To meet this growing demand, training infrastructure is ramping up:
- In 2024 alone, over 500 coaches across Asia received certification to work specifically with youth players.
- Programs are being designed to be age-appropriate, safe, and progression-based, encouraging long-term skill development.
The Asian Padel Association is also supporting coach development by launching mobile training workshops in regional hubs.
Targeting the Future: Brands & Gear for Kids
This momentum is catching the attention of major sports brands, which are now:
- Designing youth-specific padel gear,
- Sponsoring junior tournaments,
- And collaborating with clubs on youth outreach programs.
The result? A well-supported pipeline of young talent that could define the next decade of padel in Asia.
What’s Next?
With strong interest from students, structured youth academies, and brand support:
- National junior leagues are expected to rise,
- More schools will adopt padel into their athletic offerings, and
- Asia could become a global leader in youth padel development.
