Story perspectives

UK Padel Growth Sparks Urgent Call for Gender Balance

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Padel is growing in the UK.
Only 30% of players are female, signaling gender equality concerns.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) acknowledges the issue and creates opportunities for women, including women-only sessions.
Pepita Stonor, founder of Empower Padel, warns the imbalance must be addressed quickly because junior competitions struggle to attract female participants, with padel seen as a unique opportunity to establish a balanced foundation in the UK.

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Story summary

Padel is growing in the UK.
Only 30% of players are female, signaling gender equality concerns.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) acknowledges the issue and creates opportunities for women, including women-only sessions.
Pepita Stonor, founder of Empower Padel, warns the imbalance must be addressed quickly because junior competitions struggle to attract female participants, with padel seen as a unique opportunity to establish a balanced foundation in the UK.