Social Sports Society Announces Two New Bristol Padel Venues

This announcement is part of Brabazon’s ‘meanwhile use’ strategy to create a destination for leisure and lifestyle while the long-term vision for a thriving new town takes shape - a vision that includes 6,500 homes, a new railway station, a 15-acre park, and recent announcements such as a flagship Waitrose store and state-of-the-art office buildings. 

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with participation more than tripling in the past two years and over 1,000 courts now open nationwide.

Its appeal lies in its accessibility – easy to learn, low-impact, and suitable for all ages and abilities – making it a truly inclusive sport. Its rapid rise has also been fuelled by global stars and sporting icons – from David Beckham and Lionel Messi to Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams – who have embraced the game for its fast-paced, social nature. This surge in popularity makes Bristol’s two new venues a timely addition to the city’s sporting landscape. 

The expansion marks a major step forward in Social Sports Society’s mission to grow padel across the UK. S3 Bristol at Brabazon will feature nine pro-standard padel courts, three pickleball courts, community sauna and ice baths, social games, immersive golf pods and a curated food and drink offer – creating a destination for sport, socialising and wellbeing within Brabazon’s 400-acre masterplan.  

Meanwhile, S3 Bristol Filton Retail Park will launch with six top-of-the-line padel courts, premium facilities, and a wide range of coaching, leagues and playing opportunities for everyone – from first-time beginners to seasoned players – to get active and connect. 

"Launching not one but two S3 Padel venues in Bristol shows our commitment to growing padel across the UK," said Tom Rooney, CEO of Social Sports Society.

“S3 Bristol Filton will be our Bristol destination venue, where sport meets social, while Brabazon is a bold ‘meanwhile’ project that brings life, padel, and community into a landmark regeneration site. Together, they showcase our vision for the future of sport in the UK." 

Jon McDiarmid, Director of Sales & Marketing at YTL Developments, added: “Partnering with Social Sports Society brings yet another dimension to our thriving new town at Brabazon. It will create spaces for sport and social connection that reflect our vision for an active community – for the people who will live here and for those who visit. It’s an exciting step toward making Brabazon a destination for wellbeing and lifestyle, and I’m eager to discover what makes padel so popular and play my first match.” 

As part of its commitment to growing the sport and supporting local communities, S3 Padel has pledged to donate 250,000 hours of court time over the next five years. These hours will be offered to schools, charities and community organisations, giving thousands of people the opportunity to discover and enjoy padel, regardless of background or experience. This initiative is a core part of S3 Padel’s mission to make the sport inclusive, accessible and inspiring for all. 

The launch of these two S3 Padel sites is part of Social Sports Society’s national growth strategy, with multiple new venues planned to open across the UK in 2025 and 2026. By combining state-of-the-art facilities with accessible coaching, leagues and community programmes, Social Sports Society continues to lead the charge in making padel the UK’s most inclusive and social sport. 

To find out more about Brabazon and the exciting leisure opportunities coming soon, visit brabazon.co.uk and sign up for the Neighbourhood Newsletter.