NLPadel: The Explosive Rise of Padel in the Netherlands

Padel is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands. With hundreds of new courts, a growing player base, and official recognition by the KNLTB (Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association), the Dutch padel scene is thriving. In this article, we explore NLPadel — the central hub for padel in the Netherlands — and dive deep into its rise, organization, player opportunities, and how to get started.

What is NLPadel?

NLPadel is the official digital platform managed by the KNLTB, dedicated exclusively to the sport of padel in the Netherlands. It serves as a one-stop resource for players, clubs, coaches, and fans. From booking courts and joining leagues to learning the rules and watching live Eredivisie matches, NLPadel is the beating heart of the Dutch padel community.

Growth of Padel in the Netherlands

Padel has seen exponential growth in the Netherlands over the past few years:

2022: ~1,000 courts across 350 venues
2023: Over 1,600 courts at 453 locations
2024–2025: 2,500+ courts and nearly 500,000 active players

The Netherlands is now the fifth-largest padel country in the world in terms of courts — only Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Sweden have more.

Infrastructure and Locations

The rapid expansion has been supported by private clubs, gyms, and tennis associations adding padel facilities. The top provinces for padel court concentration include:

Noord-Brabant – 534+ courts
Noord-Holland – 451+ courts
Zuid-Holland – 401+ courts

Many clubs are integrated with popular booking apps like Playtomic and The Padellers, making it easy to reserve a court in seconds.

️ Who Manages NLPadel?

The KNLTB took over padel management in 2020, absorbing the Dutch Padel Federation. Since then, the KNLTB has centralized all official competitions, certifications, training programs, and ratings under one umbrella.

NLPadel is their flagship padel platform — offering:

Padel competition signups
Tournament results & rankings
Eredivisie livestreams
Referee and coach education
Player profiles and statistics

Padel Competitions & Eredivisie

One of the biggest draws for competitive players is the Volvo Eredivisie Padel, the Dutch padel premier league. Matches are broadcast live and feature the best padel teams in the country. Thousands of amateur players also take part in:

National Club Competitions (Kampioenschappen)
Regional Tournaments
Youth and Mixed Doubles Leagues

In 2024 alone, the KNLTB registered over 15,000 padel teams, a 28% increase from the previous year.

Dutch Players on the Global Stage

Dutch padel is not only booming locally, but it is also gaining traction internationally. A number of Dutch players now compete on the FIP (International Padel Federation) and Premier Padel circuits:

Marcella Koek
Stefanie Weterings
Rosalie Van Der Hoek

These players represent the Netherlands in global tournaments and serve as role models for the next generation.

How to Start Playing Padel in the Netherlands

Starting your padel journey in the Netherlands is simple:

Visit NLPadel.nl to explore rules, clubs, and events.
Download Playtomic or check The Padellers to find courts nearby.
Join a padel school such as the Dutch Padel School for lessons.
Register with KNLTB to compete in national leagues and get a rating.
Buy padel gear — most clubs offer rentals, but enthusiasts often invest in their own racket and shoes.

NLPadel Online Features

NLPadel.nl isn’t just a website — it’s a platform designed for every type of player:

News & Blog: Updates on tournaments, training tips, and gear reviews.
Calendar: Find local and national events.
Ratings System: Get an official KNLTB padel ranking.
Club Locator: Easily find clubs and courts in your area.

Whether you’re new or a seasoned competitor, the platform makes it easy to get involved.

Final Thoughts: Why NLPadel Matters

The Dutch padel revolution is no longer just a trend — it’s a sporting movement. With world-class infrastructure, a massive community, and support from KNLTB, padel is here to stay in the Netherlands. NLPadel plays a crucial role in nurturing this growth, providing players of all levels with resources, competition, and connection.

If you’re curious, passionate, or ready to compete — NLPadel is the place to begin.

FAQs About NLPadel

❓ Is padel the same as tennis?

No. While similar, padel is played on a smaller court with walls, using different rules and rackets. It’s a mix between squash and tennis.

❓ Do I need to be a KNLTB member to play?

No, casual players don’t need membership. But if you want to compete officially or get a national ranking, registration is required.

❓ How much does it cost to play padel?

Court rental ranges from €5–€10 per person per session. Rackets can be rented or bought (starting from €50).

❓ Are there padel courts outdoors?

Yes! Many clubs offer indoor and outdoor options across the country.

❓ Can kids play padel in the Netherlands?

Absolutely! Many padel schools and clubs offer youth programs for kids as young as 6.