Tom Shipton is Head Padel Coach at The Padel Hub in North London, former coach at the Battersea power station Padel pop-up, We Are Padel and Padel4all and a former tennis coach in Bournemouth and Bath. In this guest blog for The Padel Paper, he explains why padel is the perfect sport to promote female empowerment.
Padel has seen a huge rise in popularity lately, not just for its fast pace and easy accessibility but also for the sense of community it creates. One of the most exciting trends is the growing number of women discovering the game.
At The Padel Hub N20 in North London, I’m proud to have created a community that thrives on energy, camaraderie and support for all women.
From day one, I’ve focused on creating a welcoming space where women can come together, challenge themselves and form lasting connections through padel.
I saw the need for a supportive environment that encourages fitness, fun and friendship, so I launched four weekly social sessions specifically for women. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player, these 90-minute sessions are all about improving skills, building team spirit and, most importantly, having fun.
Creating a space for women
The idea behind these sessions is to create a space where women feel comfortable, empowered, and part of a bigger community. Sports should be accessible to everyone, but barriers — whether logistical, social or cultural — can sometimes get in the way.
So at N20, my goal is to create an environment where women can develop their skills, build friendships, and support one another. We focus less on competition and more on building confidence, teamwork and personal growth in a relaxed, supportive space.
I’ve seen how this approach helps women grow as athletes and individuals. Whether you’re aiming to improve your serve or just get active while having fun with others, there’s room for everyone to set their own goals and achieve them.
Building a strong padel community
What started as a small group of seven women just looking to have some fun has turned into a vibrant, supportive community. Regulars have become friends who motivate each other, share tips and celebrate each other’s progress.
What makes our sessions stand out is the sense of belonging that we’ve built. No matter your level, there’s always a spot for you here. Here are just a few piece of feedback we’ve received:
“I love the atmosphere. Knowing familiar faces and being part of the community. I really enjoy the ladies’ socials and a big thanks to Tom for building this amazing community.”
“We all cheer each other on, support one another, and create a positive atmosphere both on and off the court. Socially, I’ve made fantastic new friends, and it’s incredible to be surrounded by people who lift each other up.”
“At first, I was a bit nervous coming to a new sport as a complete beginner, especially as I am not the most naturally coordinated person, but all of the coaches, staff and other padel women made me feel welcome and included, and I quickly progressed. Our social sessions are fun, friendly and positive, with lots of encouragement.”
Looking ahead
I’m more committed than ever to creating spaces where women can thrive.
Padel isn’t just a sport, it’s a platform for empowerment, connection and growth — and I’m excited to expand our social sessions, welcome more women into the sport and continue growing the padel community in our area.
Beyond our four weekly sessions, we’re planning events, tournaments, and social gatherings to strengthen the bonds within our community and introduce even more women to the game. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how our community evolves in the months and years ahead.
If you’re in the N20 area and interested in joining, whether you’re just starting out or have played for years, there’s a place for you here. Together, we’re building something really special, and I can’t wait to keep leading this empowering movement in the world of padel.
