A fast-growing sport in Canada now has a permanent home in Ottawa, as the city’s first indoor padel club opened its doors on Saturday. Located at 1101 Polytek Street in the east end, ‘Padel and Friends’ offers year-round access to the game in a climate-controlled setting. The club is co-owned by Ottawa Senators assistant coach and NHL Hall of Fame member Daniel Alfredsson, alongside his brother Henric Alfredsson and friend Hans Molin.
Padel blends tennis and squash in a fast-paced format
Padel is often described as a mix of tennis and squash, played in doubles with smaller rackets and enclosed courts that allow players to use the walls. The scoring system mirrors tennis, but the gameplay is quicker and more strategic. First-time player Secora Mighty-Johnson described the experience as exhilarating, highlighting the need for quick thinking and constant movement.
Alfredsson brings passion from Sweden to Ottawa
Daniel Alfredsson discovered padel in Sweden and quickly became captivated by its dynamic nature. He finds the sport mentally stimulating and appreciates how accessible it is for people of all ages. Alfredsson shared that his wife and children enjoy playing, and he values padel’s social aspect as much as its competitive edge.
A club built for everyone
‘Padel and Friends’ was designed to be open and inclusive. Hans Molin explained that the vision was to create a space where no membership is required and all skill levels are welcome. The facility features three indoor courts and offers hourly rentals at $24 per person, with four players per court. The goal is to make padel approachable and enjoyable for the entire community.
Creating connection through sport
Padel director Jorge Vila emphasized the club’s role as a social hub. Players can be matched based on skill level, and the space encourages interaction before and after matches. Vila hopes the club becomes a place where people not only play but also build friendships and connect through shared experiences. With its welcoming atmosphere and growing interest, Ottawa’s new padel home is set to energize the local sports scene.
