It’s a bit like tennis, a bit like squash.

Padel is gaining popularity in the United States, although it has been present in Spain, Argentina, Mexico and several other countries for decades.

But until now, there were no padel courts in the Kansas City area. Then six current and former Sporting KC players arrived.

Teammates Roger Espinoza, Andreu Fontas, Uri Rosell, Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi and Graham Zusi have joined forces with engineer Jamie Mahoney to create their new company, La Casa del Padel.

Last week they opened two padel courts at the Overland Park Racquet Club, 6800 W. 91st St.

“We were surprised by how many people were excited about the game from day one,” said Salloi. “The response was great.”

Invented in Mexico in 1969, the sport is played on a small court enclosed by glass. If the ball touches the ground first and then the wall, it is still in play. (It is not allowed to touch the wall first.)

“It will be very exciting because you always have to turn around and look for new angles when the ball rebounds,” Salloi said.

The game is played in doubles and the scoring system is similar to tennis. The racket is shorter and has no strings.

Players can book a playing time at lacasa-delpadel.com. You do not need to be a member of the Racquet Club to play.

“We understand that a lot of people want to get involved because they are Sporting fans… but that’s OK,” he said. “We really think they’re going to love it.”

Even more good news for padel fans: footballers are not finished with the development of the sport.

They have submitted an application to build four indoor courts and two outdoor courts in a brand new 17,000 square foot facility called Padel KC at the corner of 77th and Floyd Streets.

The plans include a bar and restaurant with an outdoor patio. The Overland Park City Council approved the plans earlier this month. A restaurant within the complex is also included in the plans.

Salloi said the implementation of the project was still a long way off and he could not comment further.

La Casa del Padel started with Fontas, who is from Spain and is a long-time fan of the game.

“In Spain, there are padel courts on every corner of the city,” said Salloi.

Fontas introduced his teammates to the sport about a year ago and they were immediately hooked. Together they began to look for ways to develop the sport further.

There aren’t many options for playing in the Midwest. The closest padel court is in the St. Louis area – Padel + Pickle in Olivette. It just opened this year.

But Salloi hopes his two projects not only fill a gap in the market, but also encourage others to try the game. He’s impressed by how quickly Kansas City padel players have made friends.

“We’re trying to create a meeting place for the community,” he said. “It’s amazing how willing people are to meet new people and challenge them to new games.”