Kildare Village backs Padel Federation of Ireland to grow women's participation

Kildare Village has announced a 12-month sponsorship of the Padel Federation of Ireland's Women in Padel Programme, positioning the partnership as part of a broader strategy to support female participation in sport at grassroots level across Ireland.

Sport for Business reported that the programme will provide participants with access to weekly coaching sessions, open days and a range of social and competitive events including community gatherings and mini-tournaments, designed to serve both beginners and more experienced players.

The initiative arrives as padel continues to grow rapidly both in Ireland and internationally, with the sport now recording more than 35 million players worldwide. Women account for approximately 40 per cent of participants in Ireland, underlining the opportunity for targeted programmes to broaden that base further.

Padel's global profile is also rising on the international stage, having been confirmed as part of the medal programme for the 2026 Asian Games and set to feature at the 2027 European Games, organised by the European Olympic Committees.

The Padel Federation of Ireland, recognised by the International Padel Federation as the sport's governing body on the island of Ireland, oversees national team selection and works with clubs and stakeholders to grow participation and ensure long-term sustainability.

Under president and CEO Naomi Nicholl, the federation has prioritised inclusion and accessibility, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for women both on and off the court.

Kildare Village said the sponsorship reflects its broader commitment to supporting women in sport and creating accessible entry points for participation, with the collaboration intended to lower barriers, encourage engagement and build a stronger community around the sport among female players.

Explore the full details of this women in sport partnership.