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Insights Library — All Posts by Category
Explore the Racquet Sports Institute Insights Library—a single place for decision-grade analysis, benchmarks, and practical playbooks. Because no courts, no players, our content keeps facilities at the center while connecting market signals to design and day-to-day operations. You’ll find deep dives on ecosystem trends and country developments, proven facility models, smart management (planning, community, programming, operations tech), architecture that turns strategy into built performance, updates on our forthcoming AI.
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The Right Location: The Critical Foundation for Sustainable Racquet Sports Facilities
Location is the single most critical factor in racquet sports facility success. Balancing real estate value with operational needs is essential for sustainability. This article explores demographic alignment, cost challenges, and strategic models—from mixed-use spaces to community integration—that ensure long-term viability across Squash, Padel, and Pickleball projects.
Padel in Europe: a look at France
Padel in France is growing but lags behind Italy, Spain, and Sweden, with only 3,021 courts (54% covered) and 21.5k inhabitants per court. Southern regions like Occitanie lead, while Burgundy-Franche-Comté trails. Key barriers include high construction costs, long permit times, and lower population density (120/km² vs. Italy’s 196). Despite this, recent acceleration shows promise, especially in Île-de-France, which has high density but fewer courts.
Asia: The Next Frontier for Pickleball – UPA Asia and YouGov research Released
Discover Asia's pickleball revolution! Groundbreaking UPA Asia & YouGov research reveals 1.9 billion Asians know pickleball, with 812 million trying it and 282 million playing monthly. Vietnam leads with 152% growth, followed by Malaysia (132%). Young adults (18-35) drive the trend, citing fun (35%), health (33%) and easy learning (31%) as top motivations. With 60% annual growth and India's 178M frequent players, pickleball is Asia's newest sports phenomenon.
Sportpark Nord Nürnberg – A Vibrant Example of Successful Racquet Sports Facility
Sportpark Nord in Nürnberg is a vibrant example of how older facilities can be transformed into modern racquet sports hubs. Built in the 1980s, the center has been successfully revitalized under Markus Sojka, now offering squash, padel, badminton, and fitness in one multifunctional space. With its strong focus on community, innovation, and quality infrastructure, Sportpark Nord shows how combining tradition with forward-thinking strategies creates new opportunities.
Success Factors in Racquet Facilities – Still True After 35 Years
Dr. Kai Haack, former advisor and macroeconomist, shares timeless insights on what makes racquet sports facilities truly successful. From the critical role of location to the underestimated demands of operating leisure centers, his reflections reveal why the fundamentals of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton haven’t changed—and why future-ready concepts must learn from the past.
The Commercialisation of Racquet Sports: Investment Trends and the Curious Case of Squash
Racquet sports are booming with private investment, media deals, and rapid global expansion. Tennis, padel, pickleball, and badminton have embraced this trend—reshaping how they grow and engage. Squash, despite nearly 10,000 global facilities and presence in major games, remains one of the few sports not yet commercially scaled. Its strong philanthropic base shows impact—but the next step requires visionary investment.
Elevating Racquet Sports Ecosystem Together: Explore the New SFN Website!
Explore the newly redesigned SFN website dedicated to supporting multi-racquet facilities with enhanced tools, insights, and community-driven collaboration. Discover how SFN's updated vision and mission foster innovation, shared growth, and inclusivity across all racquet sports. Recently recognized as the 2025 Sporting Association of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.
Philadelphia’s Specter Center: The US National Squash Hub Built for Growth, Not Profit
Philadelphia’s Specter Center is the U.S.'s largest squash facility and national hub, focused on access, excellence, and community—not profit. Opened in 2021, it blends historic architecture with cutting-edge amenities, hosts elite training and major events, and supports grassroots programs. Built with $27M in donor funding, it exemplifies how mission-driven infrastructure can grow the sport for all.
Is Squash the Most Underrated Sport Aligned with the IOC’s Criterias?
Is squash the most overlooked sport that perfectly aligns with IOC values? Played in 185+ countries and part of major Games, squash champions sustainability, youth, equality, and fair play—yet remains under the radar. Discover why it's time the world sees squash as truly Olympic-worthy.
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