We continue to profile the movers and shakers within UK padel. In our first of the series, we spoke to Adam Knutsson-Sundblad from MATCHi. This time, it’s Toby Bawden from specialist padel brand Drop Shot.
Name: Toby Bawden
Role: Director
Company: Drop Shot UK
Tell us about what Drop Shot UK offers?
Drop Shot UK is the official distributor of Drop Shot for the UK and Ireland – a one-stop-shop for high quality equipment, providing padel rackets, pickleball paddles, beach tennis and hockey equipment, shoes, clothing and accessories for all those sports.
How many people work at Drop Shot UK and how quickly is it growing?
We have just hired our first Sales and Marketing Executive which is really exciting. They will work alongside our content creator on our marketing campaigns so we can grow our presence. We’ve got massive plans over the next few years, so the the team will keep growing! We’ll also need more support staff – ops, finance, IT, HR.
How long have you worked at Drop Shot UK and what did you do before?
When I first got into padel I managed a club with a friend. Shortly afterwards – about three years ago – I moved to London to pursue the Drop Shot opportunity, so my focus shifted onto on distributing Padel equipment.
What does your role entail?
Every day is different for me. As well as my role running Drop Shot UK, I have two other businesses – Hexa Padel and Padel Corner. Hexa Padel is a court-building business, and Padel Corner is an online retailer. So between the three businesses, it’s pretty varied! I also coach for The Padel School run by my mate Sandy Farquharson, so I travel and lot and love being engaged in the community.
Does your role involve a lot of travel now that things are opening up again?
Yes, especially as Padel is going off-the-charts in terms of popularity. In the past month I have been all over the UK and even to Lanzarote to coach, which was great. That’s one of those pinch-yourself moments where you realise that you’re being paid to do what you love.
What is the Drop Shot UK ethos?
To offer a holistic sport package for clubs, ambassadors, players, coaches and everyone in-between.
What made you want to get into working in Padel?
I’ve always loved sports and coaching. I studied Sports and Exercise Science at The University of Essex, and when I came out of that I was actively looking around for a while, so when I discovered padel it all just clicked.
Which other companies have you worked for?
Hexa Padel, which I’ve already mentioned, which builds and distributes padel courts, and Padel Corner, my online retail business.
How long have you been playing and what other sports did you play before?
I’m a lover of all sports, but prior to getting into Padel 7 years ago, I was a tennis coach at my local club. There are obvious similarities between tennis and padel, and while they’re very separate sports, a background in tennis or another racket sport does help I think.
What do you feel is most exciting about the Padel scene?
Just the fact that the growth is bananas, no-one knows where it’s going to be in 5 or 10 years time. There’s no precedent that I can remember – where a ‘new’ sport has simply taken off. It’s also truly global – we are seeing sports-obsessed countries like New Zealand and the US getting into it now. I think it will be introduced to the Olympic Games within the next 10 years.
Do you believe the Padel can catch on in the UK in a big way?
I think it already has. 7 years ago there were only 45 courts in the UK and now there are 145 which is pretty rapid and the growth is exponential.
Is there anyone involved in Padel you particularly admire?
My good friend and business partner Sandy, who dedicates his time to provide coaching and mentoring to the ever-growing padel community. He’s definitely one of the big names in UK padel and deservedly so. The sport has taken off here in the last 12 months, but he’s one of the guys who have been playing for years, and he was no less passionate about it 5 years ago than he is now.
What are the ambitions for Drop Shot UK in 2022?
To be the number 1 Padel equipment provider in the UK. Simple!
Do you compete yourself?
Less so now, as I’m always working. But as the team grows and I have more support, maybe I’ll get more free time to compete.
More info can be found at: Drop Shot UK, Hexapadel, The Padel School
