Padel is growing rapidly in Ireland, and more parents are discovering the incredible benefits of introducing their children to this fun and social sport. As the Queen of Padel, I have seen firsthand how padel helps kids develop essential skills, stay active, and make new friends. If you’re considering padel for your child, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
- Why Padel is Perfect for Kids
Padel is an easy-to-learn, engaging sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Here’s why it’s great for children:
- Social & Team-Oriented: Padel is always played in doubles, promoting teamwork and communication.
- Easy to Pick Up: The smaller court and underhand serve make it accessible for beginners.
- Physical & Mental Benefits: Improves coordination, agility, and quick decision-making skills.
- Fun & Inclusive: Suitable for kids of all fitness levels and backgrounds.
- What Age Can Kids Start Playing Padel?
Kids can start playing padel as young as five years old (that is my personal recommendation). At this age, they’ll focus on basic coordination, movement, and fun drills. By age seven or eight, they can begin learning technique and gameplay strategies in a more structured way.
- Finding the Right Padel Club
In Ireland, padel is expanding, with more clubs offering junior coaching programs. Here’s how to find the best place for your child:
- Search for Local Padel Clubs: Check online or ask for recommendations in your community.
- Look for Certified Coaches (with Garda Vetting): Ensure the club has experienced coaches who specialize in junior training, at the moment IPF is doing a Junior Programme to develop juniors in Ireland, it is sponsor by Rockwell and I was part of one of the training session, they brought amazing coaching from Spain to train us, maybe reach out to them for recommendations, I will also make sure that the coaches are really certified, as you can see clubs advertising junior camps with no qualified coaches doing the camps.
- Visit the Facility: A good club should have safe courts, a welcoming atmosphere, and a structured training program, ask in the club what is the camp structure, and what would your kids be learning during the camp, so you will know what to expect, ask also if they will provide lunch or snack during the sessions.
- Try a Kids’ Padel Camp: Many clubs offer holiday or weekend camps that provide a great introduction to the sport. Once more, I would make sure that the Camp is properly run by a certified coach and that they do proper training for padel, some camps they focus on games and they forget the padel training, something to be looking at, and don’t forget to ask about the Garda Vetting.
- What Equipment Does My Child Need?
Padel doesn’t require expensive equipment to start. Here’s what your child will need:
- Padel Racket: Junior-sized rackets are available for better control (you can purchase one for around €30)
- Padel Balls: These are slightly softer and have less pressure than tennis balls.
- Comfortable Sportswear: Non-marking trainers, shorts/leggings, and a breathable t-shirt.
- Protective Gear (Optional): A cap for sun protection (when playing outdoors) and wristbands for support.
- What to Expect in Their First Lessons
Your child’s first padel lessons will focus on:
- Basic Movements: Learning how to hold the racket, footwork, and simple strokes.
- Ball Control: Practicing soft hits and getting used to the ball’s bounce.
- Understanding the Walls: Learning how to use the glass walls to their advantage.
- Mini Games & Fun Challenges: Keeping sessions engaging and enjoyable.
- Encouraging Your Child in Padel
Padel should always be fun for kids! Here’s how you can support them:
- Celebrate Progress, Not Just Wins: Encourage effort and improvement over results.
- Join in the Fun: Play with your child or attend family padel days at your club.
- Encourage Friendships: Padel is a social sport, so help them make friends in their training group.
- Be Patient & Supportive: Let them learn at their own pace without pressure.
- The Future of Junior Padel in Ireland
With more clubs opening and tournaments being introduced for juniors, padel has a bright future in Ireland. If your child shows interest and talent, they may even compete in junior leagues or represent Ireland in international competitions!
Final Thoughts
Introducing your child to padel is an exciting journey. Whether they play for fun, fitness, or competition, they will gain valuable life skills along the way. So grab a racket, find a local club, and let your child experience the joy of padel!
If you’re looking for guidance, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help new padel families start their adventure. See you on the court!
Sandra Lopez – The Queen of Padel
Picture 2018: Fede Quiles giving the prize to The Queen of Padel at the BMW tournament in Toledo, Spain, our Junior in the picture is Marcos Garcia, who starting training padel since he was 5 years old, he is currently still playing, and as a curiosity, he is a leftie but in padel he plays with the right hand, also Laura Fuentes and another coach in the picture. Club: Monteverde.
