PadelStars serves up free padel sessions for kids across South and South-East England this summer

Leading UK padel operator PadelStars will open its courts to children across the country this summer, offering free padel sessions at most of its venues. Timed to coincide with the school holidays, the initiative aims to tackle two key challenges facing UK families: the rising cost of summer entertainment and the decline in children’s physical activity. Book now by emailing [email protected].

Recent research from children’s charity Coram shows UK parents now spend over £1,000 per child during the summer holidays, covering everything from entertainment to childcare, yet children are becoming less active. Just 47% meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, according to Sport England. As costs rise, 53% of grandparents are stepping in to help, with a quarter worried about the financial strain. Parents relying on childminders can face bills of up to £1,800 for six weeks. With care often split between generations, the figures reveal a growing gap between rising spend and limited access to free and meaningful movement.

Free 45-minute padel taster sessions will run across Basildon, Bracknell, Folkestone, Southampton and St Albans Padel Stars centres on Wednesdays throughout August – taking place on 6, 13, 20 and 27 August. Sessions are open to children aged 7–10 from 10:00–10:45am, and 11–14 from 11:00–11:45am, with all equipment provided free of charge.

PadelStars CEO Andy Knee said: “We want to give children the chance to experience the fun, movement and energy of padel free of charge at a time when parents need activities to keep children busy during the summer holidays. We know how difficult it can be juggling childcare around work commitments and the cost implications that go with it. To help alleviate some of that stress we have designed easy, inclusive entry point sessions for families looking to keep kids active without stretching household budgets. Padel is fast, social and hugely accessible, we believe it’s the perfect sport to get more children moving.”

Padel, a fast-paced, accessible hybrid of tennis and squash, is now firmly established as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. PadelStars sits at the heart of this movement, leading the charge with a fast-expanding national network. Its venues combine state-of-the-art covered courts with a warm, inclusive approach that welcomes all ages and abilities. From introductory lessons and casual open-play slots to junior development, social mix-ins and club-level competitions, PadelStars is committed to making padel more accessible, more visible and more fun than ever before.

Each 45-minute session will include age-specific coaching, games and group play, designed for children aged 7-14. All equipment is provided and no previous experience is required. Sessions are limited and must be booked in advance.

According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), there are now over 1,000 padel courts across the UK, with participation having surged by more than 600% since 2019. Its appeal lies in the accessibility, long rallies, and social format, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

With its compact courts, slower balls and underarm serves, padel is easy to pick up and is often described as the most inclusive, enjoyable racket sport available. It's no surprise it has become the sport of choice for celebrities, footballers and families alike.