At Padium, padel is about more than just the game - it’s about building a community, inspiring players, and helping everyone enjoy the sport at every level. In this interview, we sit down with Jorge, our Head Coach at Padium Canary Wharf, to learn about his journey in the sport, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the future of padel in the UK.
Q1. Let’s start with your padel story. How did you first discover the sport, and what drew you to it?
I first discovered padel growing up in Spain. At the tennis club where I played, they installed a padel court, and after giving it a try, I instantly fell in love with the sport. I loved how fast-paced, social, and fun it was, and what started as curiosity quickly became a real passion. Today, I enjoy sharing that passion with others and helping more people discover the game.
Q2. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Why do you think it resonates so strongly with people here in the UK?
Padel is growing so quickly in the UK because it’s simple, social, and fun. Anyone can pick up a racket and enjoy it straight away, and the underarm serve makes it especially beginner-friendly. As players improve, the game offers plenty of depth to keep them challenged.
The doubles format makes it naturally social, while the fast pace and exciting rallies make it enjoyable for players of all ages and abilities. It’s easy to see why so many people are falling in love with the sport.
Q3. You oversee all of Padium’s padel programmes - from classes to the academy and beyond. How do you approach designing activities that work for such a wide range of players, from complete beginners to advanced members?
At Padium, we keep things simple and adaptable. Every group is different, so instead of sticking to a rigid structure, we adjust sessions based on who’s on court and what they need. For beginners, that usually means making the game easy and fun so they quickly feel comfortable. For more advanced players, we focus on details, challenges, and situations that push their level higher.
The goal is always the same: to make sure everyone enjoys themselves, learns something new, and leaves feeling like they’ve progressed - whether it’s their first time playing or their hundredth.
Q4. Padel is growing quickly in the UK and attracting a diverse community. In your view, what makes the sport so engaging and accessible for people of different ages and levels?
What makes padel special is how easy it is to pick up and how fun it feels right from the start. The courts are smaller, the racket is lighter, and the ball stays in play longer, which means rallies happen quickly and players spend less time chasing mistakes. That makes it much more welcoming for beginners than a lot of other racket sports.
At the same time, padel has endless layers of tactics and teamwork, so more experienced players always find new challenges. The doubles format also brings people together - families, friends, colleagues - and it’s one of the few sports where kids, parents, and even grandparents can all share the court and enjoy it at their own level. It’s this mix of simplicity, inclusivity, and excitement that makes padel resonate with such a wide community.
"Padel is more than a sport. It's a way to bring people together, create connections, and share unforgettable moments."
Q5. Building a successful programme isn’t just about scheduling classes. What are some of the biggest challenges in developing padel activities at Padium, and how do you tackle them?
One challenge is managing the wide range of levels on court - from complete beginners to experienced players. We keep sessions flexible, making them simple and welcoming for newcomers while adding more tactical elements for advanced players.
Another is keeping people engaged long term, so we mix training with fun, social formats to build a sense of community. And since padel is still new in the UK, education is key - once people understand the game and feel comfortable, they’re far more likely to stick with it.
Q6. Since launching, Padium has built a reputation for being more than just courts. What role do you think padel programmes and activities play in shaping the community here?
The programmes and activities are really what bring Padium to life. Courts on their own are just a space - it’s the sessions, events, and shared experiences that turn them into a community. When people join a class, a social session, or a match play, they’re not only improving their game, they’re also meeting new people and feeling part of something bigger.
That sense of belonging is what keeps players coming back. Padium has become more than just a place to play - it’s where friendships form, where people feel supported in their journey, and where everyone, no matter their level, can connect through the sport.
Q7. Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for padel at Padium, and how do you see the academy and activities evolving over time?
Looking ahead, my ambition is to make Padium the home of padel in the UK - a place where anyone, no matter their background or level, feels they can start, improve, and belong. For the programmes, that means continuing to grow a variety of activities so there’s always something for everyone: fun social sessions for newcomers, competitive formats for more experienced players, and opportunities for members to stay engaged long term.
I also see the academy evolving into a hub for development, where players can not only learn the game but also connect with coaches, training opportunities, and each other. Over time, the goal is to create clear pathways for players to progress while keeping the spirit of padel - fun, community, and accessibility - at the centre of everything we do.
Q8. And finally, on a personal note - what’s the most rewarding part of being Head Coach for you?
For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the impact padel has on people’s lives. Whether it’s a beginner hitting their first rally, someone gaining confidence after a few sessions, or players building friendships through the game, those moments remind me why I love what I do.
It’s not just about improving technique or winning points - it’s about creating experiences that people carry with them beyond the court. Being able to help grow that kind of community is what makes this role so special.
Train with Jorge, our Head Coach, and get expert guidance at every level - from your first rally to refining an advanced game. Book a private lesson with him at Padium Canary Wharf.
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