Padel for All: Mark Hewlett and Soul Padel's Inclusive Approach to Growth (JOPS03E16)
Mark Hewlett, founder of Soul Padel, reveals how a traumatic experience led him to discover the transformative power of padel. His journey from rugby player to padel pioneer is nothing short of inspiring.
In this episode #16, Mark shares the genesis of Soul Padel and its mission to make padel accessible to all. We explore how this fast-growing sport is building communities and bridging social divides across the UK.
Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat with Mark:
- Community-Centric Approach: Soul Padel's focus on creating welcoming spaces where everyone can meet, play, and connect is revolutionizing the UK padel scene.
- Innovative Growth Strategy: By partnering with Decathlon and universities, Soul Padel is introducing padel to new audiences and fostering the next generation of players.
- Preserving the Soul: As they expand to 40-50 locations, Soul Padel's commitment to maintaining their core values through people and digital engagement is admirable.
Mark's insights into the future of padel in the UK and globally are invaluable for anyone interested in the sport's development. His vision of padel as a unifying force in communities is both refreshing and inspiring.
Listen to the full episode for more on Soul Padel's journey, their unique approach to coaching, and Mark's perspective on what makes padel so special.
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32:21
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32:21
Decoding Padel Success: Lessons from Gonzalo Lorenzo (JOPS03E15)
This podcast features Gonzalo Lorenzo, a padel coach and YouTube sensation, discussing his journey in the sport and coaching philosophy. Gonzalo shares insights on player improvement, communication strategies, and the culture of padel. He emphasizes the importance of playing percentage shots and reducing unforced errors. The conversation also explores the growing popularity of padel worldwide and the potential impact of AI on the sport's analytics. Gonzalo's YouTube channel, Padel Drive, has gained significant traction, attracting viewers from unexpected places like Indonesia.
Key points:
1. Gonzalo stresses the importance of playing safe, challenging shots with at least 80% accuracy.
2. The Joy of Padel is described as organizing games with friends, being competitive, and socializing afterward.
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47:34
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47:34
Juan Martín Díaz: Secrets of a 30-Year Career in Elite Padel (JOPS03E14)
Juan Martín Díaz, padel legend, shares his journey from his beginnings in tennis to becoming a padel professional. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game and the evolution toward a more physical sport. Díaz describes himself as an offensive player with exceptional reflexes, emphasizing the importance of compatibility with his playing partner.
He analyzes the differences between the Argentine and Spanish schools of padel and comments on the recent World Championship in Doha. He offers his perspective on the current professional circuit, suggesting improvements in organization and player participation in decision-making.
Díaz reflects on changes to the rules and playing surface, expressing his preference for maintaining the essence of the sport. He shares personal anecdotes, including the birth of his son during a tournament, and emphasizes the importance of humility in padel. Finally, he offers his optimistic outlook on the future of the sport and its possible inclusion in the Olympic Games.
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30:06
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30:06
Padel's Global Surge: Insights from PwC's Elena Martín (JOPS03E13)
Elena Martín, partner at PwC and co-author of the 2025 Global Padel Report, joins the Joy of Padel podcast to discuss the sport's explosive growth. She shares insights on padel's global expansion, including the projected 81,000 courts worldwide by 2027 and the USA's potential to become the largest market. Elena delves into the factors driving padel's popularity, such as its accessibility and social nature, and explores emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on the sport's Olympic aspirations and the challenges it faces in achieving that goal. This episode offers padel aficionados a comprehensive look at the sport's current state and future prospects.
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44:59
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44:59
The Rise of Padel in Saudi Arabia: Najwa Salhab's Journey (JOPS03E12)
The Rise of Padel in Saudi Arabia: Najwa Salhab's Journey (JOPS03E12)
My latest Joy of Padel episode features Najwa Salhab, a rising star from Saudi Arabia's national padel team. Najwa's journey from casual player to national representative is truly inspiring.
In this episode, we dive into:
• The rapid growth of padel in Saudi Arabia
• Najwa's transition from amateur to competitive player
• The importance of strategy and communication in padel
• How padel skills translate to life and business
• Insights on watching professional padel matches
Najwa offers a unique perspective on padel's development in the Middle East and shares valuable tips for improving your game. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, there's something for everyone in this episode.
Don't miss this chance to hear from one of padel's emerging talents. Tune in now and let Najwa's passion for the sport inspire your own padel journey!
Catch you on the court,
Minter
P.S. Planning to attend the Paris Premier Padel event? Let me know – I'll be there and would love to connect!
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The Joy of Padel podcast, hosted by Minter Dial, a Padel player since 1974, and sponsored by Padel1969, is an exhilarating show that delves into the captivating stories of notable Padel personalities worldwide. You'll be treated to exclusive anecdotes, valuable tips, and humorous moments shared by esteemed professional players, industry insiders, and passionate padel enthusiasts. Now in its third season that aligns with the pro tour, you can anticipate two engaging episodes per month. You will find the episode show notes on Joy Of Padel.
South Africa