Watch out, pickleball: Growing sport arrives in Kansas City area. More courts are coming

It’s kinda like tennis, kinda like squash.

Padel is gaining popularity in the United States, though for decades it’s had a presence in Spain, Argentina, Mexico and several other countries.

But until now, the Kansas City area hasn’t had padel courts. Then along came six current and former Sporting KC players.

Teammates Roger Espinoza, Andreu Fontas, Uri Rosell, Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi and Graham Zusi partnered with engineer Jamie Mahoney to create their new venture, La Casa del Padel.

Last week, they opened two padel courts at the Overland Park Racquet Club, 6800 W. 91st St.

“We were surprised to see how many people are already hooked on the game from day one,” Salloi said. “The reaction’s been great.”

The sport, invented in Mexico in 1969, is played on a small court encased in glass. If the ball hits the ground, then the wall, it’s still in play. (Hitting the wall first is not allowed.)

“It becomes very exciting as you have to always turn and look for new angles as the ball bounces back,” Salloi said.

The game is played in doubles, and its scoring system is similar to tennis. The racket is shorter and doesn’t have strings.

Players can book a time to play at lacasa-delpadel.com. They don’t need to be a member at the Racquet Club to play.

“We understand a lot of people will want to be involved because they are Sporting fans … but that’s OK,” he said. “We really believe that they will love it.”

Even more good news for padel-lovers: The soccer players aren’t finished growing the sport.

They’ve filed an application to build four indoor courts and two outdoor courts at a brand new, nearly 17,000 square foot facility at 77th and Floyd streets called Padel KC.

Plans include a bar and restaurant with an outdoor patio. The Overland Park City Council approved their plans earlier this month. A restaurant inside the facility is also included in the plans.

Salloi said that project is still a ways out and couldn’t comment further on it.

La Casa del Padel began with Fontas, who’s from Spain. He’s been a longtime fan of the game.

“You see padel courts in Spain, every corner around the city,” Salloi said.

Fontas introduced his teammates to the sport about a year ago, and they were hooked. Together, they began looking for ways to grow the sport.

There aren’t many opportunities to play in the Midwest. The closest padel court is in the St. Louis area — Padel + Pickle in Olivette. It just opened this year.

But Salloi hopes both his projects not only satisfy a niche in the market, but encourage others to give the game a try. He’s been impressed with how quickly Kansas City padel players have forged friendships.

“We’re trying to create a hub for the community,” he said. “It’s amazing how people … are OK with meeting new people, trying to challenge them for new games.”