PadelStars is offering free padel sessions for children across most of its venues during the school summer holidays.
Free 45-minute padel taster sessions will run across Basildon, Bracknell, Folkestone, Southampton and St Albans Padel Stars centres on Wednesdays throughout August – taking place on 6, 13, 20 and 27 August. Sessions are open to children aged 7–10 from 10:00–10:45am, and 11–14 from 11:00–11:45am, with all equipment provided free of charge.
The initiative aims to assuage the rising cost of summer entertainment for parents and tackle the decline in children’s physical activity.
Recent research from children’s charity Coram shows UK parents now spend over £1,000 per child during the summer holidays, covering everything from entertainment to childcare, yet children are becoming less active.
Just 47% meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, according to Sport England. As costs rise, 53% of grandparents are stepping in to help, with a quarter worried about the financial strain. Parents relying on childminders can face bills of up to £1,800 for six weeks. With care often split between generations, the figures reveal a growing gap between rising spend and limited access to free and meaningful movement.
PadelStars CEO Andy Knee said: “We want to give children the chance to experience the fun, movement and energy of padel free of charge at a time when parents need activities to keep children busy during the summer holidays. We know how difficult it can be juggling childcare around work commitments and the cost implications that go with it.
“To help alleviate some of that stress we have designed easy, inclusive entry point sessions for families looking to keep kids active without stretching household budgets. Padel is fast, social and hugely accessible, we believe it’s the perfect sport to get more children moving.”
Each 45-minute session will include age-specific coaching, games and group play, designed for children aged 7-14. All equipment is provided and no previous experience is required. Sessions are limited and must be booked in advance.
Book now by emailing info@padelstars.co.uk. Full details can be found here.
