Padel as a driver of well-being and sustainable local growth: a case study from Sicily, Italy

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of public health and physical well-being, encouraging a shift toward daily routines that prioritize outdoor spaces and physical activities. In this context, padel gained significant popularity, establishing itself as an accessible sport suitable for a wide demographic, with demonstrable benefits for both physical and mental health. From an interdisciplinary perspective, padel not only promotes personal wellness but also generates economic and social impacts, potentially fostering local development. Currently, padel represents approximately 25% of Italy’s amateur sports market and is experiencing rapid growth, especially in regions like Sicily. The present exploratory study presents findings from a field survey on the development of padel in the Sicilian territory. Employing stakeholder analysis and conducting face-to-face interviews, preliminary results revealed substantial growth potential, as evidenced by an increasing number of participants and newly established facilities.