Padel, a dynamic racket sport that has swept across continents from Mexico to Spain and Argentina, is now making waves in Bergen County and beyond. Once an unfamiliar name to many in the United States, padel is quickly capturing the imagination of players and fans alike, thanks in part to the efforts of clubs like Padel United Sports Club in Cresskill and a growing number of enthusiasts who see the sport as more than just a game—it’s a way to build community and spark new friendships.
Since opening its doors in January 2025, Padel United Sports Club has become a beacon for players of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who has never set foot on a court, the club offers a welcoming environment designed to get everyone involved. “What’s been really exciting is seeing how many people are discovering the sport for the first time,” said Jon Krieger, co-founder of Padel United Sports Club, in an interview with The Jewish Link. “We have members who had never played padel before coming here, and now they’re playing two or three times a week. Watching them fall in love with it has been incredible.”
Padel is typically played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court. Players use stringless racquets and a ball similar to a tennis ball, but the twist is the glass walls that surround the court—these become part of the action, with the ball staying in play after bouncing off the walls. The compact court and fast-paced rallies make the game accessible for beginners, but there’s also enough strategy and skill involved to keep even veteran players coming back for more. “Padel is one of those sports where you can have fun almost immediately,” Krieger explained. “You don’t need years of experience before you can get on a court and have a good game. At the same time, once you start playing more, you realize there’s a lot of strategy and skill involved, which is what keeps people coming back.”
Padel United Sports Club has rapidly grown to 650 members as of September 3, 2026, a testament to its broad appeal. The club’s offerings go well beyond just court time. Players can sign up for private and group lessons, take part in tournaments and organized events, and even enroll their children in junior programming and small-group coaching. “We try to have something for everybody,” Krieger said. “You can come in having never played before and join a beginner clinic, or you can be someone who plays regularly and wants to keep improving. We also have a lot of kids programming, so it’s really become something that the whole family can be part of.”
But the club’s vision stretches further than sports alone. Recognizing the importance of wellness and recovery, Padel United offers daily yoga, Pilates, and breathwork classes, as well as a state-of-the-art wellness center. After a tough match, members can unwind in the sauna or steam room, take a hot or cold plunge, enjoy massage therapy, or swim laps in the club’s 40-foot indoor mineral pool. “The wellness component was important to us from the beginning,” Krieger added. “We wanted people to be able to come in, get a great workout on the court and then have everything they need to recover afterward. Having it all in one place makes it much easier for people to make wellness part of their routine.”
Krieger’s journey to launching Padel United was inspired by his own experiences in the fitness industry, including an early stint with SoulCycle in New York City. He and his partner, Benji Markoff, both transplants from the city, saw a unique opportunity in the suburbs. “My partner and I were transplants from the city, and one of the things we noticed was that there weren’t as many natural places to meet people,” Krieger reflected. “The suburbs can sometimes be isolating, especially when you’re new to the area. We saw an opportunity to create a place that gave people something fun to do while also making it easier to form those connections.”
It’s a sentiment echoed far beyond Bergen County. In Sydney, Australia, the social power of padel was put to the test on September 4, 2026, when four comedians—Pat Doherty, Charissa Bossinakis, Gen Fricker, and Sath Nadesan—hit the court to see if sport could build real relationships. The comedians, each with their own competitive streaks and varying athletic skills, found themselves bonding between serves and volleys. Pat Doherty, who emerged as the top player, was quick to advocate for the sport’s social benefits, stating that playing with colleagues, friends, and family should be a “weekly activity on everybody’s schedule.”
The match was far from a walk in the park. Some, like Sath Nadesan, felt the pressure, joking, “We’re comedians; we’re not athletes. Why are you making us do this?” Meanwhile, Charissa Bossinakis, when asked about her love for sports, quipped, “Yes, I’ve seen all the Real Housewives,” highlighting her playful approach to competition. Despite these differences, the group found common ground on the court. By the end of the match, even those who started as rivals were forging new connections—proof that the social side of sport is just as important as the athletic one.
For some, the benefits of padel extended into their personal lives. Gen Fricker described the game as “sexy,” while Sath Nadesan joked about adding padel to his dating profile. These lighthearted moments underscore a broader truth: sport, especially one as accessible and fast-paced as padel, can be a powerful social catalyst. Whether you’re seeking to expand your social circle, improve your fitness, or just have a good time, the court is open to all.
This sense of community is at the heart of Padel United’s mission. The club’s membership structure reflects this, offering both individual and family options. Members enjoy access to all padel and wellness facilities, priority court booking, discounted court fees, and complimentary fitness classes—a package designed to make regular play and socializing as easy as possible.
As Krieger walks through the club today, he sees more than just people playing a game; he sees a thriving community. “When you start something like this, you have a vision in your head of what you hope it becomes,” he said. “To actually walk through the club now and see people spending time together and building friendships is special. The way the community has embraced us has been incredible, and we’re excited to keep building on that.”
Padel’s rise in places like Cresskill and Sydney is a testament to the sport’s universal appeal and its unique ability to bring people together. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, make new friends, or simply enjoy a bit of healthy competition, padel is proving to be much more than just a game—it’s a new way to connect. As more people pick up a racquet and step onto the blue court, one thing is clear: the padel community is only getting stronger.