USA Padel, Conquer Padel and Desert Garden Montessori Launch One of the First School Padel Programs in the U.S.

TEMPE, Ariz., September 30, 2026: The United States Padel Association (USA Padel), the sport's national governing body, has partnered with Conquer Padel and Desert Garden Montessori to launch a new after-school padel program, giving Arizona students structured coaching, equipment support and a direct pathway into competitive play.

The program began this fall at Conquer Padel's Tempe facility. Sessions combine skill development with the low-impact, strategic style of play that has made padel the fastest-growing racket sport in the world.

Wilson, a longtime name in racket sports and a growing presence in padel equipment, will serve as the program's official racket sponsor, outfitting participating students. Students who wish to compete will also have the opportunity to play in two USA Padel-sanctioned regional tournaments per season as part of the partnership, giving them a direct entry point into the sport's competitive structure.

"Padel aligns naturally with the Montessori approach to learning," said Enrique Gracia, CEO of Conquer Padel. "It's simple enough to pick up quickly but has real depth for kids to grow into over time. Partnering with USA Padel and Desert Garden lets us build something that's not just an activity, but a real pathway into the sport."

"This is exactly the kind of program we want to see more of," said Scott Colebourne, Executive Director and CEO of USA Padel. "Getting padel in front of students early, with coaching and a route into tournament play, is how we build the next generation of the sport in this country."

"At Desert Garden Montessori, we intentionally seek opportunities that help children grow beyond the classroom," said Shetal Walters, owner and director of Desert Garden Montessori. "Padel encourages resilience, collaboration, strategic thinking, and joyful movement, all qualities that align beautifully with our commitment to educating the whole child. We're excited to partner with USA Padel and Conquer Padel to introduce our students to a sport they can enjoy for life."

Padel is now the fastest-growing sport in the United States. USA Padel has grown to 10,000 members, and the country now has more than 1,500 padel courts. USA Padel is recognized by the International Padel Federation (FIP) as the sport's national governing body in the U.S.

The program is expected to grow beyond its initial two-court schedule in future cycles, with additional interest already expressed in summer camps, staff team-building sessions and family events at Conquer Padel's clubs.

Conquer Padel operates indoor padel and fitness clubs in Tempe, Arizona and Lehi, Utah, with a growing franchise network expanding the sport nationally. Learn more at conquerpadel.com.

Founded in 1996, Desert Garden Montessori is a Phoenix-area school serving students from infancy through 12th grade in the Ahwatukee community. The school is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the International Montessori Council (IMC). Learn more at desertgardenmontessori.org.

The United States Padel Association is the national governing body for padel in the U.S., recognized by the International Padel Federation (FIP). USA Padel develops and promotes the sport through competitive pathways, national rankings, grassroots programming and youth initiatives nationwide. Learn more at padelusa.org.

Wilson is a global sports equipment company with more than a century of history in racket sports, including an expanding padel line developed alongside professional players. Learn more at wilson.com.