Teenager Jake Bewley – a product of Padel United apprenticeship scheme – is heading to Alicante to train full-time at the famous Bela Padel Academy.
The 19-year-old was one of four youngsters to join the UK’s first ever padel apprenticeship two years ago run by Go Padel Charitable Foundation and based at Padel United in Maldon, Essex.
The apprentices underwent an 18-month course where they learned sports management and took a sports coach activator qualification. Throughout the course, Jake continued to practise and play as well as coach and his standard has improved so much he has decided to train full-time and work towards becoming a professional player.
Richard Hall-Smith, Head of Expansion at Padel United, told The Padel Paper: “Our apprenticeship sets young people up for whatever path they want to go down with padel. Jake has the rest of his life to go into coaching or management, so he has chosen the playing path and has got a place at the Bela Padel Academy.
“He’s doing brilliantly. He is the best player to come out of Maldon and Padel United so far.”
Richard added: “As an expanding company we are extremely proud of Jake. His performance, hard work, charisma and loyalty have been exemplary. He will be a fully supported member of our team!”
Brexit restrictions mean Jake will only be able to live in Alicante for 90 out of every 180 days, so he will return to Maldon and be supported by Padel United while he is back in the UK.
Jake began playing padel aged 14. He was a promising footballer at that age, but soon dedicated himself to padel before taking up the apprenticeship opportunity.
A trip to Spain with Britain’s World Padel Tour player Sam Jones last year was crucial in convincing Jake to have a crack at following the same path.
Jake commented: “I am thrilled to be heading to Alicante to start my padel training. After discussing with my support network here in the UK we all agree this is the perfect next step for my development.
“I look up to the likes of Nikhil Mohindra and Sam Jones, so for me to be able to follow in their footsteps this is something I must do. A huge thanks to PDL Padel United for their support.”
Richard added: “Jake has come a long way from the 14-year-old turning up to the courts in his school uniform to practise! Whilst his personality and presence will be sorely missed around the club this is something we really wanted to support him on.
“We look forward to welcoming him back and following his progress from afar. Who knows, Maldon might have their first professional padel player on the world stage in the not too distance future!”
