The inaugural Legends Padel 4 Nations in Bradford was hailed for “awakening new aspirations” and “rekindling the thrill of competition” by its delighted participants.
Fifty players in 60+, 65+ and 70+ age groups represented England Scotland, Wales and Ireland at recently-opened venue Strike Padel in the West Yorkshire city last Thursday and Friday.
The competition is the new year-ending flagship event of Legends Padel, which gives older players a platform to enjoy the sport with a calendar of coaching camps and tournaments.
Team England were crowned winners of the women’s title, beating Scotland 2-1, while Scotland pipped England 2-1 to claim the men’s title on Friday afternoon. England were overall winners by 3.5-2.5.
Each nation ran open selection events and were deluged with entrants.
Legends Padel founder Sally Fisher told The Padel Paper: “Before Legends Padel, many of our competitors simply didn’t have an outlet for their competitiveness.
“We’ve given them something pitched at their own age group and suddenly they are competitive once again. The passion and enthusiasm were massive. They were all fighting to win.
“You can have a great morning at a Mexicano at your local club, but you don’t get that same competitive edge. Our teams in Bradford were fighting it out for national glory and personal satisfaction.
“People were limping and harbouring injuries with groaning hips, ankles, elbows and shoulders, but they all refused to give in. It gives them an incentive and a drive, and they feel seen and recognised.”
Rosie Connell, captain of the victorious England women’s team, said: “The challenge, camaraderie, commitment, the chance to make new padel friends and to pit our skills against the best at senior level were all amazing. Roll on the next one!”
Winning Scotland’s men’s skipper John Byrne said: “The level of padel on display was exceptional — highly competitive yet played with great sportsmanship in every game. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Rob Puttick, Wales men’s captain, added: “What a fantastic event! We’re leaving with brilliant goals for Welsh padel. The progress is clear each year, and we’re excited to come back stronger next time to take on our great friends and rivals.”
Irish women’s captain Debbie Brown called her team “ageing, yet still fiercely competitive athletes” and praised the event for giving them a platform to take on other nations.
“Having events where we are still able to wear the jersey for our country, and to be able to continue to fan the competitive fires with other ageing athletes, gives us motivation to keep pushing ourselves and to inspire those on the same path. It’s incredibly important for our spirit and our lifelong dedication to sport.”
Founder Sally said she would take on board suggestions for adding a 75+ age category next year and added that Legends Padel plan to run a summer version of the event for club-level social players.
“The team at Strike Padel in Bradford was fantastic,” she added. “They gave everyone such a warm welcome and the facilities were first class. Thank you also to our sponsors Joma and Pokita.”
Full results available on the Legends Padel website from Tuesday 2 December
