“If the Federation leaves a gap, it’s down to the private sector to step forward”

3 min

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London’s Padel frontrunner Chris Warren is setting the pace for junior padel at Chiswick’s Rocks Lane. As one of the first to introduce the sport to British shores, Chris Warren, founder of Rocks Lane Padel, has long been a trailblazer in growing the sport of padel across the UK. Chris is pioneering the sport through his focus on junior development and his efforts to make London a global padel destination.

Championing Junior Padel Development in the UK

Chris has always believed in the power of sport to transform young lives, and nowhere is this more evident than in his dedication to nurturing junior talent on the padel court. Rocks Lane Padel, based in the media-hub of Chiswick, West London, has become a destination for junior padel players, offering them a pathway to hone their skills and prepare for international competition.

This summer, Chris took his commitment to junior development to a new level by self-funding 12 boys and two girls from his academy to compete in the European Junior Padel Championships in Budapest. After the LTA decided not to enter a UK team, Chris stepped in to ensure that these young athletes had the chance to compete on the international stage. Their participation not only gave them invaluable experience but also showcased the raw talent emerging from Rocks Lane, proving that the future of British padel is bright.

Chris’s mission goes beyond simply producing elite players. He is committed to making padel accessible to all juniors, regardless of background. Through initiatives like free court access for state schools during term time and partnerships with the Queen’s Club Foundation to deliver free coaching, the Englishman has ensured that padel is available to a broad spectrum of young athletes. His programs provide a solid foundation for children to grow both as players and individuals, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Looking ahead, Chris is focused on preparing these juniors for the international stage, particularly with the possibility of padel becoming an Olympic sport by Brisbane 2032. His efforts are ensuring that the UK will be ready to compete with the best in the world when the time comes, even if this drive is not being led – as some suggest it should be – by the national governing body, the LTA. For Chris, it’s about building a generation of athletes who can carry the UK’s padel ambitions into the future.

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Making London a Global Padel Destination

In addition to developing home-grown talent, Warren is also pioneering the sport by positioning London as a global destination for padel. His vision is to attract players from around the world to experience top-tier training while exploring one of the world’s most iconic cities. At Rocks Lane Padel, players can participate in week-long intensive camps, receiving expert coaching from former World Padel Tour (WPT) player, Álex Grilo.

Located just 30 minutes from central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, Rocks Lane’s intensive courses offer a great opportunityfor padel lovers to combine intensive padel training with exploring London’s rich culture. 

Warren’s goal for these camps goes beyond technical skill development; they are designed to build a global padel community, with London at its heart. These training sessions bring together padel lovers from across the world, encouraging not only competition but also the forging of new connections in a friendly, collaborative environment. As the international padel community continues to grow, London is positioning itself as a key destination for those seeking elite training alongside the city’s diverse cultural offerings. If Warren has his way, it may not be long before London rivals Spain as a go-to destination for those looking to combine their holiday with padel.