Tennis and padel have seen incredible growth in recent years, bringing more players than ever onto the court. Padel, in particular, is taking the world by storm, with 2024 alone seeing roughly 30 million people playing padel across over 130 countries. Countries like Spain, Italy, Argentina and Sweden are leading the charge, with new clubs and courts popping up at an unprecedented rate.
Meanwhile, tennis continues to thrive as a beloved global sport. In fact, the market is expected to grow by nearly 10% from 2024 to 2031. But it’s not just the game itself—tennis has even inspired a major fashion trend: "tennis-core." From pleated skirts to sporty polos, the world is chasing the Challengers look and incorporating tennis-inspired styling into their daily outfit choices.
How to maintain tennis and padel club member loyalty: 7 creative ideas
With all this buzz, tennis and padel clubs are sitting at the center of something big. But with more options than ever, keeping members engaged and loyal is a growing challenge. Below, we’ll explore some innovative ways to build loyalty and keep your tennis and padel players coming back for more.
1. Make Your Club an All-Inclusive Oasis
In today’s competitive market, clubs need to offer more than just great courts. Players are looking for an all-inclusive experience where they can play, relax, and access everything they need in one place. Making essentials available on-site is key to creating that seamless, all-inclusive experience. And no, we’re not just talking about revamping your Club Shop.
In today’s day and age, what players want is convenience above all else. We live in the “set it and forget it” era, where people seek the comfort of knowing that whatever they need can and will be delivered to them directly, when they need it most.
This is where Mpala comes in, for example. We create custom boxes filled with top-tier tennis and padel essentials that are made-to-measure for your club. Players can collect their gear whenever they need it as part of their membership, ensuring they’re always equipped to play their best without the hassle of restocking themselves.
2. Turn Tournaments into Unmissable Events
Loyalty is built on community, and few things foster community like a good tournament. Hosting regular tournaments with a social twist—such as themed matches, post-game barbecues, or fun prizes—can keep members coming back not just for the competition but for the camaraderie.
In Spain, for example, padel tournaments have become somewhat of a social staple among 30-somethings in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Through organisations like Padel Team Gourmet, amateur padel players come together for a day (and, sometimes, night) of friendly competition, social activities, music and even a bit of a party!
3. Wow New Members with a Winning Welcome Pack
First impressions are everything when it comes to building loyalty. Welcome Packs send the message that you value your members and are invested in their experience from the very beginning. Offering essential gear like balls, grips, a shower kit, socks, or hydration products, to name a few examples, ensures that new members feel prepared, supported, and excited about their time at your club.
In fact, research shows that when customers feel appreciated and well-served from the start, their overall satisfaction and long-term commitment increases. Welcome packs not only help new members settle in but also offer a tangible reminder that the club is more than just a place to play—it’s a place that takes care of its community.
For example, Rocket Padel in London offers new members personalized Rocket Padel apparel—such as jackets, hoodies, and wristbands—as part of their inscription fee. This thoughtful approach not only makes new members feel welcomed but also fuels their excitement about joining the club by giving them a tangible connection to their padel journey.
4. Gear Up Beginners with Exciting Academy Kits
Starting a new sport isn’t just about learning the game—it’s also about the thrill of getting your hands on the right gear. For beginners, exploring their new equipment—like quality grips, balls, sweatbands, and other essentials—is a huge part of the excitement. The physical act of unboxing fresh gear and getting familiar with it creates anticipation and motivation.
When clubs offer personalized welcome kits, they tap into that excitement. Not only does it help players feel more prepared and confident, but it also enhances the initial rush that comes with starting something new. This thoughtful gesture makes clubs stand out and shows that they care about the full experience, helping to turn first-timers into loyal, long-term members.
5. Loyalty Programs That Serve Up Serious Benefits
Loyalty programs are a proven way to drive retention by offering members ongoing incentives to stay engaged with your club. By rewarding participation with perks like discounted gear, priority bookings, or exclusive access to events, you give members tangible reasons to remain loyal.
Tiered programs can also motivate players to stay active, aiming to unlock higher levels of rewards as they continue to participate. These programs foster a sense of belonging and achievement, making members feel that their dedication is valued and rewarded by the club.
Including MpalaBoxes as part of your loyalty program can enhance these benefits. With Mpala, members can choose their gear based on their specific needs, and the flexible delivery schedule ensures they always have the essentials when they need them—without having to think about it. This level of personalization and convenience adds value to the membership experience, making it easier for clubs to retain players long-term. By offering practical, high-quality rewards that members can use on the court, your club stands out as one that truly supports its players’ journey.
6. Offer Day Passes for Friends of Members
Offering day passes for friends of members is a highly effective way to drive loyalty as well as attract new potential members to your club. This is particularly effective among padel players, who often play in groups of four - be it teams of friends, colleagues or couples. By offering day passes like these, you give your members the opportunity to play at their own club with whomever they choose. If clubs only limit access to members, then their own members who want to play with others will go to a different club or court.
This is also a great strategy to attract new customers. By playing with their friends, newcomers are more likely to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves, which increases the chance that they’ll come back as full-paying members. This strategy is particularly useful for clubs looking to expand their membership base through word-of-mouth and peer recommendations.
Additionally, day passes are low-risk for both the club and potential members, as they provide an easy and affordable way for new people to get involved. Clubs like David Lloyd Clubs in the UK have successfully used guest passes as a strategy to bring in new players, eventually converting many into full-time members.
7. Programs for Kids & Parents
Family programs are an incredibly effective way to build long-term loyalty in tennis and padel clubs. Offering clinics, tournaments, or social events designed specifically for kids and parents creates a family-friendly environment where everyone feels included.
By providing fun and educational activities for children, parents are more likely to stay engaged with the club, knowing that it’s a place where their entire family can enjoy themselves. Moreover, children who start playing tennis or padel early are more likely to continue as they grow, fostering loyalty from both generations.
These programs can also serve as excellent recruitment tools. A club that caters to families stands out from the competition by positioning itself as a hub for community and shared experiences. Whether it’s through parent-child doubles tournaments or youth development clinics, clubs can build lasting bonds that keep members coming back.
About Mpala
At Mpala, we understand that building loyalty at your tennis and padel club is about more than just providing great courts—it’s about creating an experience that feels personalized, convenient, and consistently high-quality. That’s where we come in. Mpala offers a one-stop solution to help you meet a variety of loyalty-building strategies, all through our customizable gear boxes. Whether you want to welcome new members with personalized packs, keep players excited with tournament prizes, or offer convenient gear replenishment as part of membership perks, Mpala makes it seamless.
With Mpala, you can offer your members premium, eco-friendly products tailored to their needs—from Head tennis balls and grips to sun protection and performance nutrition. These boxes can be part of your club’s membership program, allowing players to "set it and forget it," collecting the essentials they need, whenever they need them, directly from your club. Our solution helps you enhance convenience, foster a sense of belonging, and deliver high-quality gear that keeps your members engaged and satisfied.
By partnering with Mpala, you’re not just offering products—you’re delivering an elevated club experience that keeps your members loyal and coming back for more. Whether through welcome packs, loyalty programs, or tournament rewards, Mpala ensures your club is always at the top of its game, providing members with the essentials they need to succeed on the court, without the hassle.
Keep Them Coming Back for More
Building loyalty in your tennis and padel club means going beyond the court. By offering unique, personalized experiences, engaging events, and convenient services, your club becomes more than just a place to play—it becomes a place where players feel valued. And with Mpala’s premium gear and customizable solutions, your club has everything it needs to build strong, lasting relationships with your members.
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