The Social Club Revolution in Racquet Sports

Racquet sports are in the midst of a boom, and it’s not just thanks to fitness fads or professional hype – it’s the social element driving much of the growth. Padel, pickleball, and squash have surged in popularity partly because they are inherently social games and welcoming to a broad range of ages and skill levels.

A growing body of research now supports this trend. Padel, pickleball and wellbeing: a systematic review. This systematic review analysing 14 studies found that pickleball significantly boosts wellbeing, life satisfaction, and happiness, while also reducing depression and enhancing social integration – particularly among older adults. Padel, on the other hand, is linked to greater self-confidence and lower anxiety among competitive players, although repeated matches can increase mental fatigue and impair performance. Despite these differences, the conclusion is clear: both sports deliver measurable mental and emotional benefits through play and participation.

Club operators have taken notice – and the term “Social Club” is fast becoming a buzzword in new sports facility names. But what does it truly mean to be a social sports club, and are today’s racquet clubs delivering on that promise?

Beyond the Courts: What Makes a Racquet Club “Social”?

The concept of a “social club” in sports is hardly new. Historically, private sports clubs – especially in England and the United States – were member-owned institutions that served as much as social havens as athletic facilities. In fact, exclusivity and camaraderie were defining features of classic clubs like century-old racquet and tennis clubs.

This ethos translated into facilities designed for more than sport: clubhouses with comfortable lounges, dining halls, bars, libraries and even billiards rooms were commonplace in prestigious clubs. For example, New York’s storied Racquet & Tennis Club (founded 1876) was built with three dining rooms, a billiard room, a library, a lounge, and a pool – on top of numerous courts – underscoring how integral social amenities were to the club’s design.

In the U.K., many local squash clubs traditionally feature an on-site pub or bar, recognizing that the real bonding often happens after the match. One English club proudly calls its bar “the warm, friendly heart of our racket club,” a place to unwind with fellow players over drinks and celebrate a good game. In other words, the social fabric – chatting over a pint, club dinners, social events – has long been as important as the sport itself in these environments.

The Rise of the “Social Club” Label – and the Reality Behind It

Fast forward to today, and the label “Social Club” is being adopted by a wave of new racquet sports facilities around the world. The motivation is clear: the social component is a major draw for participants, so branding a venue as a “social” club signals a community-centered experience rather than a drop-in court rental.

However, simply adding the name doesn’t guarantee an authentic social club atmosphere. In practice, some new facilities fall short – focusing on court capacity and membership sales while neglecting the architecture and programming that truly foster community. The result can be a mismatch: a club that calls itself “Social” but feels like just another sports center where players come and go without mingling.

What Truly Defines a Social Sports Club Today?

So, what should define a true social sports club today? It comes down to intentionally cultivating social interaction at every level – from facility design and amenities to programming and culture.

Modern sports social clubs strive to blend hospitality, leisure, and sport into one package. The most successful examples borrow elements from both traditional member clubs and contemporary lifestyle brands. They are part athletic center, part café/bar, part co-working space, and part community center.

It’s not just about coming, playing pickle or padel, and going home. This philosophy means offering reasons for people to linger and connect: inviting lounge areas, quality food and beverage service, social events, and even workspaces.

Recommendations for Future Club Development

For investors and club developers looking to ride the social club wave, success lies in authenticity – creating real social value, not just using the word in marketing. Here are key recommendations for building the next-generation sports social club:

Design for Community

Architecture and layout should facilitate interaction. Include ample communal spaces such as lounges overlooking courts, outdoor terraces, coffee bars, and seating nooks where people can mingle. Ensure there’s a welcoming flow from playing areas to social areas. Some new clubs even integrate co-working spaces or meeting rooms, encouraging members to treat the club as a “third place” to spend time beyond workouts. The facility should feel less like a gym and more like a modern clubhouse or social hub.

Elevated Food & Beverage

Don’t treat the café or bar as an afterthought – it is the heart of a social club. A compelling food and beverage offering will entice members to stick around. This could mean partnering with local craft breweries or popular pop-up kitchens. Comfortable pub-style seating, communal tables, and even intimate small bars (some clubs design tiny 6–8 seat bars for a “living room” vibe) help foster conversation. When people rave about a club’s café or spend Friday nights at its bar, you know you’ve created a social destination.

Robust Programming & Events

A social club only thrives if people actually socialize! Dedicate resources to organizing regular events that bring members together. Mix up the formats: competitive tournaments with after-parties, themed social nights (e.g. “Padel & Paella”), holiday gatherings, live music or trivia nights, and clinics with notable coaches. Family-oriented events are key too – clubs should offer things like kids’ days, parent-child tournaments, or multi-generational wellness events. A calendar packed with reasons to come even when you’re not playing builds a true club community.

Membership Experience & Inclusivity

If your club has members (as opposed to purely pay-to-play), nurture that sense of belonging. Offer perks or member-only spaces that make membership feel special – whether it’s a cozy members’ lounge or exclusive after-hours access. However, “inclusive” should be the watchword for growth: racquet sports are booming because they appeal across ages and skill levels, so ensure newcomers and casual players feel welcome. Many clubs introduce flexible membership tiers or day passes to balance exclusivity with accessibility. A club that attracts retirees for morning pickleball, young professionals for evening padel mixers, and families on weekends will have a vibrant atmosphere around the clock.

Multi-Sport & Wellness Offerings

As racquet clubs diversify (often hosting 3–4 sports under one roof), use this to your social advantage. Encourage crossover play and multi-sport leagues, so members mingle outside their primary sport clique. Also consider wellness amenities – gyms, yoga studios, recovery zones. This provides extra value, and creates another set of regulars who use the club to relax or train, further enlivening the community. A holistic approach (sports + fitness + recovery) means people can make your club part of their daily routine.

Technology to Connect

Image: Dmitry Mashkin / Unsplash

Leverage tech to enhance the social experience. Modern court booking apps can include social features like partner-matching or group ladders. In-club screens can display live scores or instant replays. Some clubs use apps for event RSVPs, club news, or chat forums. Even digital leaderboards can spark friendly interaction. Just make sure that tech remains a tool for real connection, not a replacement.

Stay True to the Club Spirit

The best social sports clubs manage to reconcile tradition with innovation. They carry forward that old-school notion of community – where you know the staff and other members, where stories are shared over post-game drinks – while updating it for modern lifestyles.

In the words of one industry observer, top private clubs today succeed by “actively shaping the future of leisure, wellness, and community engagement” while respecting their roots. In practical terms, this might mean preserving member-led committees, rituals, or celebrations – even in a corporate-owned space – or honoring the history of the sport to instill pride and identity.

Conclusion

The rush of new “racquet social clubs” popping up – from high-end urban facilities to converted rooftops and repurposed malls – underscores a clear insight: people don’t just want a place to play, they crave a place to belong.

Racquet sports have an inherent social charm, and when clubs truly embrace that, they tap into something powerful. A squash or padel club that feels like a second home or a neighbourhood hangout can sustain itself with devoted members through trends and seasons.

On the flip side, if the “social club” remains just a marketing tagline, members will see through it – and the novelty may fade.

Investors, managers, and stakeholders in this space would do well to remember the century-old wisdom of the original member-owned clubs: listen to your members and build around their community.