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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 Social Club Revolution in Racquet Sports
Racquet sports like padel and pickleball are booming not just for fitness, but for their social appeal. This article explores how the rise of “social clubs” is reshaping the racquet sports industry by combining sport, hospitality, and community. From facility design to programming and member experience, it outlines how true social value—not just branding—will define the next generation of racquet clubs.
Exploring the Future of Pickleball and Padel Facilities: IAPPF 2025 Conference Preview
The 2025 IAPPF International Conference & Expo will be held in Austin from October 1–4, gathering global professionals in pickleball and padel. Led by industry pioneer David Johnson, the event offers educational sessions, targeted networking, and insights into growth trends like multi-sport facilities. With decision-makers in attendance, it serves as a key platform for suppliers, operators, and investors shaping the future of racquet sports venues.
From School Squash to Student Nights: SquashUP Reenergizes the Sport in Germany
The Squash Up! initiative is reigniting interest in squash across Germany through school partnerships and social events for university students. Led by former champion Simon Frenz and supported by the German Squash Federation, it combines teacher training and lively “Squash Up! Nights” to engage new players. With pilot programs in Hamburg and Norderstedt showing strong demand, the initiative aims to expand nationally and rebuild the sport’s grassroots base.
Paradigm Shift in Government Sports Policy: From Elite Focus to Mass Participation in Racquet Sports
G20 governments are shifting from elite sport funding to policies promoting mass participation for public health. Racquet sports—tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, padel, and pickleball—are well-positioned in this new era. Their health benefits, inclusivity, and rising popularity offer strategic opportunities for facilities to partner with public sectors, engage underserved groups, and access infrastructure funding to thrive within the evolving policy landscape.
Jack Wang and Tengfei Squash Club: A Case Study of Squash’s Rise in China
Squash is booming in China, led by Jack Wang’s Tengfei Squash Club (FSC) in Shanghai. A former national champion, Wang built FSC into a multi-branch hub with elite coaching, youth focus, and global ties. With squash joining the Olympics and national support growing, FSC is poised to shape the sport’s future in China.
Padel Court Construction – Quick Implementation Checklist
In the final article of our Padel Court Construction series, we provide a detailed checklist to help you review every key aspect of your project before completion. Building on Part 1 (planning and permits) and Part 2 (construction and materials), this practical guide ensures your court is fully compliant, functional, and ready for play. Whether you're finalizing fencing, lighting, or surfacing, this checklist keeps your project on track.
Elite Squash: A Lever to Develop the Sport?
Rémy Mabillon, a businessman with no squash background, became a key sponsor of Annecy’s top squash team. His passion lies in discipline, excellence, and supporting athletes in reaching their potential. Though elite squash brought limited visibility, he saw value in human connection and long-term impact. Through clubs and his RM Academy, he promotes access to sport, especially for youth, aiming to foster values beyond competition.
Build the Future of Squash in the US Together - Courtwall Seeks U.S. Partner
Courtwall International , a global leader in squash court construction since 1984, is looking for a dedicated U.S. partner representative...
Padel Popularity: Global Surge in First Half of 2025
In the first half of 2025, global padel popularity significantly increased, marked by an 86% rise in tournaments, expanded international reach to 38 countries, and substantial growth in participants from 91 nations. Online engagement mirrored this trend, with notable increases in website traffic and social media interactions, underscoring padel’s rapid global expansion.
A Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Building Padel Courts (Part 2)
Part 2 of our padel court guide dives into structural foundations, lighting design, permit processes, and long-term maintenance. Learn how to build a stable base, ensure proper drainage, install compliant lighting, and avoid delays in approvals. Essential reading for architects and investors aiming to create safe, high-quality padel courts. A must-read before breaking ground – practical, detailed, and regulation-ready insights await.
Squashing the gender gap: How Ynys Môn Squash Club is changing the game for girls
Ynys Môn Squash Club, founded by Shaun Sullivan in 2018, has transformed from just 5% female participation to nearly 40%, with girls now outnumbering boys in junior sessions. Driven by a vision of inclusivity and inspired by his daughter, Shaun introduced free coaching for women and girls with support from Sport Wales. Stories like 16-year-old referee Rhian Jones highlight the growing confidence and leadership among girls. The club is setting a powerful example for gender equ
England’s 10-Year Health Plan: Impact on Racquet Sports Facilities
England’s 10-Year Health Plan will inject £400 million into community sport infrastructure. The SFN analyzes how this public investment impacts racquet sports facilities, especially Squash, Padel, and Pickleball. Opportunities include visibility and school integration, while risks arise from subsidized competition. Public-private cooperation is key to sustainable growth.
A Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Building Padel Courts
This expert-developed guide from SFN covers everything architects and investors need to plan and build padel courts—from indoor vs. outdoor design, space requirements, and court types to surface selection, permitting, foundations, and a comprehensive checklist. Ideal for first-time planners seeking clarity and precision.
Open Squash, New York – a blueprint for mission-driven, financially viable “community squash”
Open Squash, a non-profit with two Manhattan clubs, redefines urban squash by combining scale, inclusivity, and personalised member engagement. With a mission-first model, tiered pricing, and strong community outreach, the club proves that squash can be both financially viable and socially impactful—even in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Padel Goes Global: Key Findings from the 2025 Playtomic Report
The 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic highlights a 26% surge in new clubs, over 7,000 new courts, and rapid expansion beyond traditional hotspots. Countries like the US, Indonesia, and Colombia are emerging as key markets. Digital platforms drive accessibility, while multi-racquet facilities and Olympic aspirations reshape the sport’s future. Padel is evolving into a global, tech-enabled, and commercially sustainable phenomenon.
AI for Better Matches: How Artificial Intelligence is Enhancing Racquet Sports Facilities
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing racket sports facilities by enabling instant skill assessment, fair player matchmaking, and dynamic rating systems. These technologies enhance the player experience by ensuring balanced matches, building social connections, and supporting progress tracking. Clubs that integrate AI tools can boost member retention, stand out from global platforms, and attract new demographics in the digital age.
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.
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