Padel can open new target groups for clubs.
For tennis and sports clubs, padel can be a strong lever for gaining members, younger target groups, mixed groups and additional court utilization. Whether construction fits financially and under club law depends on space, funding programme, statutes, operating concept and local demand.
Funding rates, member effects and utilization are planning values and must be checked by federal state and club. View methodology and limits.
Which funding paths clubs should check.
The following table is initial guidance, not a funding decision. Funding rates, programmes, deadlines and eligibility change and must be checked directly with the responsible state sports association or funding body before applying.
| Federal state | Programme | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Brandenburg | LSB sports-facilities construction | up to 80% |
| NRW | Sports-facility funding | up to 75% |
| Lower Saxony | LSB investment plan | up to 65% |
| Hessen | Sports-facility construction funding | up to 60% |
| Baden-Württemberg | WLSB / BSB programme | up to 33% |
| Bavaria | BLSV sports-facility construction funding | 20 to 55% |
Depending on the project, accessibility, LEADER programmes in rural areas or municipal funding pots may also be relevant. The exact rate depends on club age, member count, equity share, concept, deadline and eligibility.
1 tennis court can become 2 padel courts.
A tennis court measures roughly 36 × 18 m. Depending on margins, access, drainage and safety areas, it can become a padel setup with one or two courts. The space advantage is attractive, but should be planned cleanly both technically and within the club.
- check_circleCheck the existing base. Clay courts must be fully replaced, sand and hard courts partly. We check this in the initial consultation based on your courts and estimate additional costs.
- check_circleInvolve the members’ meeting early. Tennis-club conversion is emotional. The success formula: position padel as an addition, not a replacement. Trial sessions before the vote.
- check_circlePreserve non-profit status. Padel can be integrated into the club as a sports offering. External rental, revenue shares and statutes should be clarified upfront with tax advisers and the association.
- check_circleLighting and booking system. Padel is often evening-heavy. LED lighting and a booking system such as Playtomic, Eversports or similar are therefore usually required for predictable utilization.
- check_circleCoach with padel licence. The DTB has offered the A padel licence since 2024. One licensed coach per club is enough for the initial phase.
Demographics and share of women change.
We review your club site together.
We discuss conversion of your tennis court, suitable funding routes in your federal state, the likely permit path and the best approach for the members’ meeting. Bring your member count, federal state and a rough site plan.