The Inclusive Padel Tour returned to the UK last weekend with disabled and non-disabled athletes competing together in a wonderful demonstration of the sport’s inclusivity.
Thirty-two pairs from across the UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands, assembled at Padel Maidenhead to showcase an exceptional standard of competition, while remaining true to the Inclusive Padel Tour’s mission of breaking down barriers through sport.
Throughout the day, spectators witnessed elite-level matches, inspiring displays of teamwork and an atmosphere defined by encouragement, friendship and community.
The event also welcomed several leading figures from the sport, including Steve Yeardley, Head of Padel at the LTA, alongside Tom Farquharson and Sandy Farquharson from The Padel School, and Pep Stonor from Empower Padel.
Steve Yeardley, Padel Manager at the LTA, said: “The Inclusive Padel Tour is one of the most inspiring events on the UK padel calendar. Spending the weekend at Padel Maidenhead, seeing disabled and non-disabled athletes competing together at such an exceptional level, was a powerful reminder of what makes our sport so special.
“The passion, collaboration and sense of community throughout the weekend were incredible, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in delivering such a fantastic event. The future of inclusive padel in Britain is incredibly bright, and the LTA is proud to support initiatives that help make our sport accessible to all.”
Kristen Paskins, Great Britain’s No.1 Female Wheelchair Padel Player and Padel Maidenhead Ambassador, added: “This weekend demonstrated exactly what inclusive padel should look like.
“Every player, regardless of ability, had the opportunity to compete, challenge themselves and be part of something special. We hope it inspires more clubs, coaches and organisations to help grow adaptive padel across the UK.”
Phil Basford, Founder and CEO of Padel Maidenhead, added: “From the moment we opened, our ambition has been to create a club where everyone feels welcome. Hosting the Inclusive Padel Tour for a second year reinforces that commitment and shows what’s possible when accessibility and inclusion are placed at the heart of a sporting venue.”
Padel Maidenhead is committed to making the sport accessible to players of all abilities. The club offers step-free access throughout, fully accessible changing facilities and sports wheelchair access to every court.
Organisers hope the continued growth of the Inclusive Padel Tour will encourage more clubs across the UK to invest in accessible facilities and help make adaptive padel available to even more players.
