If the trajectory of padel's growth is any indication, we may well see it make its Olympic debut by Brisbane 2032. Though as we look toward this possibility, another critical question arises: Who is preparing Britain’s young athletes to compete on this grand stage? 

In West London, Rocks Lane has become a beacon of padel excellence, and its founder, Chris Warren, is leading the charge in developing the UK's future stars. Inside The Games had the chance to speak with the man himself about the continued growth of padel, the challenges of making the sport accessible, and the vital role that quality coaching plays in preparing young athletes for the international stage.

The growing appeal of padel

With the recent conclusion of the Paris Olympics, there is the usual discussion around the wide array of sports displayed and the question of why some sports were not. Squash has finally had its decades-long question answered by being admitted to the LA2028 Olympics, which of course begs the question of when, not if in my view, it will be padel’s time. If predictions are accurate, it could be as soon as Brisbane 2032 (and yes, eight years in Olympic terms is not far away). The bigger question surrounding this inevitability from my perspective, therefore, is who is preparing Britain’s next generations to become the first-ever Team GB padel athletes?

Don’t put the cart before the horse, some might say. However, I believe we need to prepare our young padel prospects now so that we are ready, our proud sporting nation is ready, to compete with the best when padel does realise its Olympic ambitions. And I believe there is nowhere better placed to develop Britain’s first crop of Olympic athletes than London’s bastion of padel, Rocks Lane.

A legacy of youth development at Rocks Lane

Since I opened Rocks Lane Padel in 2005, it’s become a true West London community hub in Turnham Green, welcoming young professionals, the local TV and entertainment set, weekend warriors and, yes, children and young people too. In fact, I would argue that it’s youth padel that we’re best known for, and that’s where I believe we stand out not just in London but nationwide. Because, let’s be honest, someone needs to step forward and lead with padel development for our young people so that Team GB can compete proudly whenever the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does choose to give our sport ‘the nod.’

At Rocks Lane, our mission is simple: to provide every child with the opportunity to play padel, develop their skills, and reach their full potential, whether they’re just starting out or dreaming of becoming a champion. We are ever more committed to being the go-to centre for junior padel in the UK, offering a welcoming environment where young players of all levels can thrive. And the evidence of our impact is clear, with players like Jesse Warren, who currently holds the top ranking for U12s, exemplifying how we are transforming junior padel in the UK.

Breaking down barriers: Making padel accessible

The excitement around padel’s future is palpable, but the reality of making the sport accessible to all remains a significant challenge. While the popularity of padel is growing, access to facilities and quality coaching is not evenly distributed. For padel to truly take root in the UK, it must become more than a niche sport played in a few privileged areas; it needs to be a sport that’s accessible to every child, regardless of where they come from.

The challenge, therefore, lies in breaking down these barriers. It’s not just about building courts, but about ensuring that those courts are available to all, that children from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to step onto them and discover the joy of the sport. It’s about creating pathways that allow young players to progress from casual play to competitive excellence.

The role of coaching: Inspiring excellence

Access alone isn’t enough, though. To truly develop the sport, we need to ensure that young players receive the highest standard of coaching, coaching that not only refines their technical skills but also instils a lifelong love of the game.

This is where having top talent like Alex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player, becomes crucial. His expertise and ability to connect with juniors are invaluable in inspiring and pushing them to achieve their best. Under his guidance, young players aren’t just learning how to play; they’re learning how to excel and to find joy in the process.

But again, the focus is broader than just producing elite athletes. It’s about fostering a love for the sport that stays with these young people, whether they continue to play casually, represent their school or club, or pursue padel professionally. It’s about building a solid foundation that supports players at all levels, ensuring that every child who wants to play can do so in an environment that encourages both development and enjoyment.

Looking ahead: Preparing for International competition

Looking to the future, the task at hand is to continue broadening the base of junior players while also identifying and nurturing those with the potential to compete at the highest levels. This September, we’re proud to support a group of 12 young players—10 boys and two girls, who will be competing in the European Junior Championships in Budapest. It’s a significant opportunity for these kids, offering them a taste of international competition and a chance to represent their country.

But the broader mission remains clear: to ensure that every child who comes through our doors has the opportunity to reach their full potential, whether that’s playing for fun, representing their local club, or aspiring to become a professional athlete. It’s about creating a pathway that is accessible to all, yet rigorous enough to prepare the best for the challenges that lie ahead.

The future of British padel

As we continue to invest in our junior programs and build partnerships that support accessibility, I’m confident that we’re laying the groundwork for a bright future for British padel. The journey ahead is as much about building a community as it is about building champions. It’s about ensuring that padel becomes a sport for everyone, and that Britain is ready to shine when the Olympic spotlight finally turns our way.

So, whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to a new sport, or a young player with dreams of competing at the highest levels, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we’re not just playing padel; we’re shaping the future of the sport in Britain, one player at a time.

For more information on padel at Rocks Lane, click here.