By Derbyshire.News
A sport many had never heard of five years ago is now sweeping across Derbyshire — and fast. Padel, a mix of tennis and squash played in doubles on enclosed glass-walled courts, is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe. Now it’s taking firm root in Derby, with plans to turn the old Eagle Market in the city centre into one of the UK’s largest indoor padel facilities. But will it be a smash hit — or a short-lived trend?
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What is Padel?
Padel is played in doubles on a smaller court than tennis, with walls that allow the ball to bounce back into play. It uses a solid paddle instead of a strung racket and is known for its long rallies, fast pace, and easy-to-learn rules. There’s no need for a killer serve — it’s underarm only — making it more accessible for beginners and casual players.
It’s already hugely popular in Spain and Latin America, and now it’s catching fire across the UK.
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Where Can You Play in Derbyshire?
• We Are Padel, Pride Park, Derby – With 11 indoor courts, it’s one of the biggest venues in the country.
• Derbyshire Tennis Centre – Recently added its first padel court, aimed at affordability and beginner-friendliness.
• Church Broughton Tennis Club – Home to Derbyshire’s first padel court, launched in 2022 with pay-and-play access and coaching sessions.
More clubs across the county are now exploring padel as a way to attract new members and revitalise community sport.
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Plans for the Eagle Market
Derby’s old Eagle Market, once a bustling indoor shopping space, is set for a complete transformation. Derbion, the shopping centre group behind the project, plans to convert the market into a new sports and leisure destination — with ten indoor padel courts forming the centrepiece.
The site, totalling around 55,000 square feet, will also include other sports facilities and tie into the wider Eastern Gateway redevelopment project, which includes a skatepark, event spaces, and urban gardens.
The project is being led by Social Sports Society, who aim to offer over 250,000 hours of free or subsidised padel access to schools, youth groups, and community organisations across Derbyshire.
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Why Is Padel So Popular?
• It’s inclusive – Great for all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
• It’s social – Always played in doubles, encouraging teamwork and interaction.
• It’s quick to learn – Unlike tennis, you don’t need years of training to enjoy a competitive game.
• It’s fun – Long rallies and tactical play make it highly engaging.
For many, it hits the sweet spot between competition and casual play — something that’s been missing in traditional racket sports.
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Will the City Centre Courts Succeed?
Turning a former indoor market into a padel hub is a bold move. On the surface, it seems like a smart use of an underused space — attracting footfall, supporting healthy lifestyles, and injecting life back into the city centre. But success will depend on pricing, accessibility, and whether Derby residents truly take to the sport.
The facility’s community-first approach could be key. If local schools, clubs, and families get behind it, padel could become a staple of city life — not just a passing trend.
But if it ends up being dominated by corporate bookings and high membership fees, it risks becoming just another exclusive fitness fad.
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What Do You Think?
Is padel just what Derby needs to get more people active, or is the city being swept up in a trendy bandwagon? Would you play? Should schools and local groups have priority access? And is the Eagle Market the right place for this new sporting venture?
Let us know in the comments, or join the conversation at Derbyshire.News.
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