A true story of sports innovation, Italian investment, and Albania’s growing love for padel.

What do you get when you mix visionary Italian entrepreneurs, a booming global sport, and a city on the rise? The answer lies in Tirana, where Albania’s very first indoor padel center didn’t just open its doors—it opened up an entirely new chapter in Balkan sports culture.

This is the real story behind Albania Padel Group, the center that brought padel to Albania and turned Tirana into the unexpected heartbeat of a growing regional movement.

The First Padel Center in Albania: A Game-Changing Moment for Tirana

Until late 2021, padel, a sport booming across Spain, Italy, and Sweden, was nearly unheard of in Albania. That changed with the opening of Albania Padel Group, the first indoor padel center in Albania, officially launched on December 1, 2021, in Tirana.

Founded by Alessandro Pallini and Pasquale Minasi, two Italian entrepreneurs with a shared passion for sport and community, this facility isn’t just a sports center—it’s a movement.

Visit: albaniapadel.com

The Center That Sparked a National Trend

Albania Padel Group (APG) set the standard with:

  • Professional-grade indoor padel courts
  • Modern changing rooms, hot showers & lockers
  • A lively café-bar for socializing
  • Onsite physiotherapy and fitness consultation
  • Full-time coaching academy for kids and adults
  • Frequent tournaments, local, national & regional

Their booking system is powered by Playtomic, making it easy for members and visitors to schedule matches or training.

“We didn’t just build a court. We created a lifestyle hub, Albania was ready for it,” says co-founder Alessandro Pallini.

Rapid Growth: What Happened in the First 10 Months

By October 2022, Albania Padel Group had:

  • Attracted 600+ active members
  • Hosted over 16 tournaments, including Balkan-level competitions
  • Launched a successful Kids Academy with certified coaches

Laid the groundwork for the Albanian Padel Federation, which became officially recognized by the International Padel Federation (FIP) in April 2025

Closing words

What began as a bold idea has now become a cornerstone of Albania’s sports landscape. Thanks to the vision of Albania Padel Group, Tirana didn’t just catch up to the global padel trend, it helped lead it in the Balkans. From kids’ academies to international tournaments, the momentum is undeniable.

With official recognition from the International Padel Federation and a passionate local community, Albania isn’t just playing the game, it’s changing it.

Visit albaniapadel.com to book a game, join the movement, or see what’s next.