Are you aged under 16 and looking for a fantastic new sport to play that not only gets you fit but also introduces you to lots of new friends too? Then the UK trending sport of padel may be just for you.

You may not have heard of it before, but it’s been around since the 1960s. Yep – all this time. It was first played in Mexico back then. Its popularity later spread to Spain and then South America. Recently, it’s been spreading throughout Europe, and here in the UK, it’s really taken off.

It’s a cross between tennis and squash in that the scoring system is similar to tennis, and the ball has to go over the net. The squash similarity is that there are walls, which the ball is allowed to hit off before reaching the opponent’s side.

Junior padel playing times at Garon Park

The new term of our Padel Junior Club starts this spring – a good time to meet other new members. It costs £60 to join if you’re a club member and £72 for non-members. The spring mid-week term club costs slightly less at £55 (members) and £66 (non-members). Individual sessions are £6.50 (members) and £7.50 (non-members).

Siblings or those joining multiple sessions get an additional £1 reduction.

The current youth playing times for padel is on Saturdays (9 am to 10 am) for mixed ages and on Thursdays (5 pm to 6 pm) for the Junior padel groups (aged 11+).

And with three covered courts and an open-air panoramic show court at Southend Leisure & Tennis Complex, there are plenty of options to get playing.

Benefits of playing padel for youngsters

Padel is a great way to get fit. It’s not only fun and sociable, but it’s also a great cardiovascular workout. It works every muscle in the body and also helps with motor skills such as hand-to-eye coordination.

Cardiovascular activity gets the blood flowing around the body and, in doing so, helps boost the immune system. Then there are the mental health benefits. Yes, you’ll get an endorphin boost during the game, while afterwards, you’ll feel relaxed, have a better sense of well-being, and no doubt sleep better that night.

@MDPIOpenAccess: “Scientific research has shown that regular padel practice appears to be recommended to improve physical fitness and promote health, both in adults and children.”

The best bit is it can be played at any age. Some players are just four years old, and others hitting that ball is well into their ninth decade.

Padel – a family activity in Southend

But it’s not only youngsters who can benefit from padel, of course. Exercise like this is good for everyone. And that means the whole family can play together. Indeed, it’s a great way to spend some time during the upcoming spring school break. That’s especially true if you live in or near Southend, where the Garon Park courts are based.