Tom Shipton has just been appointed Head Padel Coach at The Padel Hub’s newest venue in Whetstone, north London, having spent an unforgettable summer coaching at Battersea Power Station. The Padel Paper asked Tom about his new role and the influence of his former mentor Steve Yeardley, who was recently appointed Padel Manager at the LTA.
Tom, tell us about your background before padel?
Before I transitioned into padel, my background was in tennis. I started playing aged three then later pursued my coaching qualifications and earned my LTA Level 3 Tennis Coaching Certification, which allowed me to share my passion for the game with others. My love for tennis led me to study at the University of Bath where I did my BSc (Hons) in Sports Management and Coaching.
In November 2021, I shifted my focus to padel, a sport that had intrigued me ever since my first experience on a padel court in Spain when I was younger. As I started playing regularly, I realised that the sport had a wonderful community that was passionate, supportive and fun. Outside of tennis and padel, I’ve always been very interested in fitness and staying active.
How much are you looking forward to the job at The Padel Hub N20 and what will you bring to the job?
I’m extremely excited to be joining the team at The Padel Hub, N20! I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth of the sport and being part of a community that shares my passion for padel. I’m confident that my experience as a coach, particularly in introducing newcomers to the game, will allow me to create a welcoming environment where both beginners and seasoned players can improve. I’ll bring a strong commitment to player development, focusing on technique, enjoyment and fostering a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.
What specific goals do you have for enhancing the overall experience for players?
I believe in championing each individual and I am passionate about creating an open and accessible, safe space. I’m ready to meet everyone who walks through the door at their level. To achieve this, I plan to develop programmes and initiatives that cater to different skill levels, ages and interests. This includes hosting social events, workshops and tournaments, as well as offering personalised coaching and mentoring opportunities.
What’s good and bad about padel in the UK?
Padel has been growing rapidly in the UK, which is fantastic. More people are discovering the sport, and the community is expanding. It’s a fun, accessible game that appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels, making it great for social and family play. The increasing number of courts being built and growing media attention show the sport is heading in the right direction.
However, padel still faces some challenges in the UK. Access to courts can be limited in certain regions, and there’s a lack of infrastructure compared to more established countries like Spain. Additionally, awareness of padel is still relatively low, meaning there’s a need for better promotion and education. Growing the sport further requires continued investment in facilities and initiatives that introduce the game to new audiences.
What qualities do you need to be a frontline padel coach who introduces people to the game for the first time (as you did at Battersea)?
To be a successful frontline padel coach, you need strong communication skills and a welcoming, patient attitude. When introducing new players to the game, it’s important to break down the fundamentals in a way that’s easy to understand and enjoyable. Being encouraging, approachable, and adaptable helps beginners feel comfortable and confident. Understanding each person’s level and learning pace is essential, as is fostering a positive atmosphere where players can enjoy themselves while learning. The ability to create fun, engaging sessions that make players want to come back is key to being effective in this role.
Can you tell me a bit about Steve Yeardley (the LTA’s new Padel Manager) and his influence on you? Where did you meet and what has he taught you?
Steve Yeardley has been a significant influence on my journey in padel. We first met at Padel4all in Swindon, and from our very first day working together, we formed a strong bond. Steve’s leadership and passion for the game have really shaped my approach to coaching. He’s someone who believes deeply in the growth of padel and supporting others in the sport, and that has had a lasting impact on me.
Steve has taught me a lot, particularly about how to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for players of all levels. His emphasis on building a community around padel, not just improving technique, has been a lesson I’ve carried forward in my own coaching. His focus on creating positive experiences for players, encouraging teamwork and maintaining high energy during sessions has been invaluable to me.
What do you think he will bring to his new role with the LTA?
Steve’s new role with the LTA is a fantastic fit. Steve has a unique ability to build strong relationships with players and coaches, which will help him engage stakeholders and grow the sport across the UK. His experience working at the grassroots level will be vital as the LTA looks to expand padel’s reach and develop its infrastructure. Moreover, Steve’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere will ensure that the LTA’s efforts to promote padel focus not only on competitive growth but also on community-building and accessibility. His hands-on experience and understanding of the sport’s potential in the UK will be key in shaping the future of padel under the LTA’s guidance.
Why do you think someone should play padel, and what unique aspects of the sport do you think make it particularly appealing to new players?
Padel is an incredible sport that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun workout or a competitive challenge, Padel has got it all. What sets it apart from other sports is its unique blend of physicality, strategy, and social interaction. It’s also an incredibly accessible sport, all you need is a padel racket and a willingness to learn! Can’t wait to see you on court!
The Padel Paper wishes Tom good luck in his new role!
