Padel’s Popularity soars in South Africa, boosting charity and community engagement

In Cape Town, the women’s doubles finals at a charity padel competition marked yet another milestone in the sport’s growing popularity in South Africa. Hosted in Paarden Eiland, the event was organized by Padel4Good, a non-profit that combines sport with philanthropy.

Padel: A Sport with Purpose

“Padel4Good brings people together to raise funds for various charities across South Africa,” explained Kathleen Barker, a representative of the organization. “It’s a sport that unites communities while making a positive impact.”

Through monthly events, the initiative has raised thousands of rands to support charitable causes nationwide.

Winners Celebrate Success

Karen van Huyssteen and Danelle Pieterse emerged as champions of the tournament. “This is my second or third win, and it feels amazing,” said van Huyssteen. “Padel4Good is always well-organized, and it’s a pleasure to play and support the cause.”

The Rise of Padel in South Africa

Five years ago, padel was relatively unknown in the country. Today, South Africa boasts 206 clubs and over 600 courts, with more than 100,000 active players, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP).

Luke Potter, a founder of the South African Padel Association, credits the sport’s growth in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During lockdowns, traditional racquet sports were limited, but indoor padel courts became a viable option, boosting interest,” he explained.

Accessible and Social

Padel’s appeal lies in its accessibility. Padel coach Bridget Visee describes the sport as “a blend of squash and tennis, with lots of volleying and lobs.” She highlights its ease for beginners and its potential for skill development with training.

Player Sarah Power echoed these sentiments. “Padel is a fantastic workout and incredibly social. It’s the perfect combination,” she said.

Expanding Reach

The sport is no longer confined to metropolitan areas. According to Elian Wiener, director of Virgin Active Padel Club, courts are expanding into smaller towns and rural areas. “We’re seeing a much broader socio-economic range of players,” Wiener noted, with the number of courts expected to grow from 65 to nearly 100 by mid-2025.

Global Momentum

Padel’s rise in South Africa reflects its global trajectory. FIP reports a 240% increase in padel courts worldwide between 2021 and 2024.

As padel continues to capture the hearts of South Africans, initiatives like Padel4Good demonstrate the sport’s potential to drive both community engagement and charitable impact.