Rocket Padel’s Move to Padel Mates: A Rocky Migration for Players?

At Trust Padel, our mission is to support the UK padel community with transparency, insight, and up-to-date information on everything shaping the sport. One of the biggest developments in recent months has been Rocket Padel’s decision to migrate from Playtomic to Padel Mates—a move that has stirred strong reactions from players and disrupted how they book, connect, and compete.

? A Strategic Decision—But at What Cost?

Rocket Padel’s switch to Padel Mates was described as a strategic evolution aimed at giving clubs full control over data, operations, and player engagement. According to Rocket Padel, the new system offers:

• Complete control of player data
• In-app booking, coaching, leagues, and loyalty systems
• Streamlined communication and tournament management

The long-term goal: to enhance the padel experience for both players and clubs. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. But from the player side, the transition has been anything but smooth.

? Impact on Players: Disrupted Networks & Lost Momentum

As representatives of the UK padel community, we’ve spoken with many affected players—and the message is clear: the migration has had a negative short-term impact on the user experience.

Broken Social Circles

For many players, Playtomic wasn’t just a booking tool—it was a social network. The migration has fractured player groups, interrupted regular games, and made it harder to organise friendly matches or find suitable partners. Users now juggle multiple apps with little integration.

Lost Stats & Ranking Frustration

A major complaint is the loss of historical match data and rankings. Regular players had built their records over months or years, only to see them wiped or not transferred into Padel Mates. This undermines competitive play and frustrates those who track progress seriously.

Booking Bugs & User Experience

Reports of app crashes, booking errors, and unreliable activity listings have circulated widely—particularly from players using Rocket Padel clubs in London. Despite Padel Mates’ promise of smoother functionality, the user experience has left many unimpressed and alienated.

“I’ve had multiple games disappear from the app. Now I just avoid Rocket even though it’s my closest venue.”

— Trust Padel community member

? Visible Drop in Court Usage

Anecdotal reports and community feedback suggest that previously packed venues, like Rocket Battersea, now have unusual availability. Whether this reflects short-term confusion or a longer-term shift remains to be seen—but players are voting with their feet.

? A Lesson in Player-Centric Transition

At Trust Padel, we understand the value of club-level control and innovation. However, we also believe any digital transition in sport must put player experience first. Communication, onboarding, and data migration are all key—and the padel community deserves better when changes of this scale occur.

Rocket Padel and Padel Mates may ultimately deliver a more integrated, data-rich environment—but for now, the rollout has fractured what makes padel special: its social heartbeat and player momentum.

? We Want to Hear From You

Have you been affected by the Rocket Padel migration?

Share your experience with us at hello@trustpadel.co.uk or join the conversation on our socials. We’re committed to giving the UK padel community a voice.