Phones are brilliant. They keep us in touch, informed and entertained. But somewhere along the way, being constantly connected online started to crowd out something older and more important: connecting in real life. It’s a quiet problem, and it affects young and old alike.

We started Hi Padel because we believe sport is one of the best cures we have. Not sport as a spectacle to scroll past, but sport as an excuse to show up, put the phone down and share an hour with other people. And few sports do that better than padel.

Why padel, of all sports?

Padel is played in doubles, on a small enclosed court, off glass walls that keep the ball in play. That design isn’t just fun - it’s sociable by nature. Rallies last longer, everyone gets involved, and you don’t need years of practice or the “right” kit to enjoy your first game. You just need four people and a court.

What happens next tends to look the same everywhere:

• Parents meet other parents.

• Pupils play with and against their friends.

• Teachers play together.

• Grandparents play with grandchildren.

• Strangers become teammates.

Padel gives people a reason to put down their phones and pick up a racket.

Why schools?

Schools have always been at the heart of their communities - but too often the gates close when the final bell rings. We think their facilities can do more. A great padel court brings people through those gates who might never otherwise visit: to play, to watch, to meet, to belong. Pupils get a brilliant new sport during the day; families and neighbours get a place to gather in the evenings and at weekends.

That’s the future we’re working towards. Not just courts, and definitely not more screen time. More real life - more people, more connection, more reasons to come together.

More IRL. Less URL.

Let’s get people playing.