A new indoor youth padel camp is opening in Mesa, offering Valley families a way to keep children active during the summer while avoiding Arizona’s extreme heat. The program is being launched by Padel Pals, a recently opened indoor padel facility that is introducing a summer camp specifically designed for children ages 6 through 12.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the camp will be held inside a fully climate-controlled facility, allowing children to participate in sports and recreational activities without spending hours outdoors during the hottest months of the year. The program is designed for both beginners and children who already have experience playing padel.
Padel, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combines elements of tennis and squash and is typically played on an enclosed court using specialized rackets. Organizers say the sport is easy for children to learn and provides opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction.
The summer camp is scheduled to run from May 25 through July 3. Sessions will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with early drop-off options available for families who need additional flexibility. The program welcomes children of all skill levels, whether they are being introduced to the sport for the first time or looking to improve existing abilities.
Camp organizers said the program will be led by coaches from Pereyra’s Padel Academy. Instruction will focus on teaching the fundamentals of the sport while maintaining a fun and engaging environment. Small group sizes are intended to provide personalized coaching and allow children to receive more individual attention as they develop their skills.
In addition to instruction, the camp will feature games, competitions, team activities, and tournament-style play. Organizers say the goal is to keep children active while helping them build confidence, coordination, sportsmanship, and friendships throughout the summer.
Padel Pals officials said the facility was created to help grow the sport in Arizona and introduce a new generation of players to padel. The Mesa facility is Arizona’s first fully indoor padel club and includes seven indoor courts inside a 44,000-square-foot complex designed for year-round play.
Armando Acevedo, CEO and co-founder of Padel Pals, said the summer camp is intended to create an environment where children can learn a new sport while feeling engaged and connected to others. He explained that the focus extends beyond athletics and includes creating a welcoming community that encourages kids to continue participating and improving.
Carlos Pereyra, co-founder and head coach of Pereyra’s Padel Academy, said padel is particularly well suited for children because it is easy to learn, naturally social, and enjoyable from the beginning. He noted that campers will have opportunities to learn, compete, and make friends while developing confidence on and off the court.
Organizers also highlighted several family-friendly features of the camp, including early drop-off options, multi-week discounts, drop-in opportunities, and acceptance of Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account funds. Those options are intended to make participation more accessible for families seeking structured summer activities.
The facility is located at Padel Pals, 4945 S. 71st Street in Mesa. Officials said space is limited and expect strong interest as parents search for indoor activities that allow children to remain active while staying out of the summer heat.
The FOX 10 report highlighted how the camp provides a unique alternative to traditional outdoor sports programs by combining athletic instruction, social interaction, and air-conditioned comfort during one of Arizona’s hottest times of the year.
