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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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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.
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.
Spotlight on Austria: The Story Behind the Austrian Squash Challenge
Discover the inspiring story behind the Austrian Squash Challenge, led by 19-time national champion Aqeel Rehman. From grassroots outreach to hosting a PSA tournament in a busy Salzburg mall, this initiative is redefining squash in Austria. With kids’ programs, public engagement, and long-term vision, it’s a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can revive a sport — one court and one community at a time.
One Sport, Many Courts: Why Context Matters in Squash Construction
SFN’s deep dive into squash court construction exposes a critical truth: not all courts are created equal. From performance risks to financial fallout, poor planning can cost everything. Prestigious glass courts may look stunning, but can be a disaster in the wrong setting. With global cases like Open Squash NYC and major builds in Riyadh, it’s time for the WSF specs to evolve — or risk holding the sport back.
Squash "will enter the Olympics" for the first time, and the Chinese team will start from scratch
China is investing in cross-discipline talent, hiring top coaches, and integrating squash into sports schools, clubs, and campuses. With long-term planning and grassroots development, the country aims to build a competitive team and boost national interest in the sport.
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