Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, padel and badminton, is gaining popularity worldwide. In an exclusive interview, Miguel Arostegui and Roberto Dueñas representatives of Pickleball EuropeThey shared their experience on the growth of the sport, its impact in Spain and their future plans.
From the USA to Malaga as epicentre
In just two years, Pickleball Europe has turned Malaga into a national and international benchmark for the sport. What began in a school now includes academies, national and regional tournaments, and a club with more than 200 active players. The city already has 26 courts and plans to exceed 100 by 2025, thanks to the support of public administrations and private investment.
Roberto highlights: "Our goal is to turn Malaga into the European headquarters of pickleball, taking advantage of its infrastructure, climate and quality of life".
This view is also reinforced by the growing acceptance of the sport in other parts of Spain, such as Madrid, Seville and Cadiz. Madrid, for example, has established itself as the epicentre of pickleball in Spain, hosting the last national tournament, which brought together more than 500 federated players.
This sport stands out for being:
- Easy to play: From day one, anyone can enjoy it, regardless of their level.
- Intergenerational: Grandchildren, parents and grandparents can share the same track.
- Inclusive: People with disabilities can participate without any problems.
- Affordable: All you need is a firm ground, a net, paddles and balls.
In addition, its flexible duration (between 60 and 90 minutes per game) and low initial cost have facilitated its integration into schools and communities. This sport also stands out for its ability to generate community, which makes it an ideal option for both families and groups of friends.
Economic and business impact
Pickleball is not only a sport, but also an investment opportunity. Many tennis facilities are being adapted to include up to four pickleball courts, maximising their profitability. Roberto explains: "On a tennis court where two people used to play, now up to 16 can play. This multiplies the use of the space and increases revenue."
The impact also extends to the corporate environment, where it has become an effective team building tool. Its accessibility and inclusive nature make it an ideal activity to strengthen the bonds between employees and encourage teamwork. According to Roberto: "We have seen how team building activities based on pickleball strengthen internal relationships and increase employee satisfaction".
The future of pickleball
With more than 12,000 players in Spain and an exponential growth, pickleball is poised to be a key discipline in the European sports scene. From Pickleball Europe, Miguel and Roberto are leading the initiative to expand the sport as a comprehensive brand, offering everything from academies to specialised equipment.
One of its main objectives is to position Malaga as the European pickleball capital, taking advantage of the Costa del Sol as a privileged destination for sports tourism. This approach would not only attract athletes from all over Europe, but would also consolidate the city as an international benchmark in the promotion of inclusive and accessible sports.
Benefits of pickleball
In addition to its economic and social impact, pickleball offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. Playing outdoors promotes wellbeing, improves coordination and reduces stress. Its inclusive nature makes it ideal for people of all ages and conditions, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Pickleball is here to stay. With its rapid expansion in Spain and Europe, its accessibility and its ability to bring people together, this sport is positioned as an ideal option for both fans and investors. From Pickleball Europe, Miguel and Roberto invite us to be part of this sporting revolution.
In Miguel's words: "Pickleball is more than a sport; it is an experience that connects people and promotes values such as inclusion and fun. We're excited about what the future holds".
