A new inclusive sport on the rise: padel tennis for all abilities
Originating in Mexico, padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world — and it's easy to see why. After trying it myself recently, I totally get why it's becoming such a hit!
Padel combines the fast pace and energy of tennis but requires less running and relies more on upper-body movement. It's played on a smaller, enclosed court where the ball can bounce off glass walls, keeping rallies going longer and adding a fun, tactical twist, much like squash. Most games are played in doubles, making it a sociable and engaging sport that suits both beginners and those who enjoy a bit of competition.
I recently started playing with friends at our local tennis club, and it didn't take long to see what all the excitement was about. Having played tennis in the past, I always found the bigger court and fast sprints a challenge — even in doubles. But padel felt instantly more manageable. The smaller space and slightly softer ball create a slower-paced game with longer rallies, giving you more time to reset and plan your next move. The paddle also took me by surprise — it's solid, so you don't need to smash it like in tennis. A lighter touch goes a long way!
What I love most is that padel isn't about who's fastest or strongest. It's a sport that rewards timing, quick reflexes, clever positioning, and tactical thinking. That's what makes it so inclusive — especially for those of us with limited mobility. It's no wonder it's gaining momentum in the adaptive sports world. You don't need to be the quickest on your feet — just up for giving it a go.
Alessandro Ossola — championing the inclusive padel tour
Italian Paralympian and sprinter Alessandro Ossola is helping make padel one of the most inclusive sports of the future. After losing his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2015, Alessandro turned to sport to aid his emotional and physical recovery, eventually founding Bionic People. This movement champions inclusion, positivity, and awareness through storytelling and sport.
He played his first padel match in 2021 and instantly saw its potential: a truly inclusive game where people with physical disabilities can play and compete together. He went on to launch the Inclusive Padel Tour, now featuring over 80 players and gaining tremendous momentum as it grows globally, hosting mixed-ability doubles padel tour events in cities such as Milan, Dubai, London, Mallorca, and Barcelona.
Join the inclusive padel movement.
Alessandro and his team are seeking new players worldwide. If you are interested in getting involved, please visit the official website (here).
You can also connect with Alessandro on Instagram (here).
Want to try padel locally? Here's some tips on how to get started
- Find a court: padel is growing fast across the UK and Europe — check local clubs or sports centres.
- No gear? No problem: Most places rent out paddles and balls, and all you need is a pair of grippy trainers.
- Bring a friend: It's usually played in doubles, so it's the perfect sociable sport to try together.
- Look for inclusive sessions: Some clubs now offer adaptive or beginner-friendly padel. If not — ask if they'd consider starting one!
Whether you're brand new to racket sports or just looking for something fresh and fun, inclusive padel might be your next great adventure — and everyone's welcome; what are you waiting for?