At the end of last year, we appointed a new National Development Manager, James Rose, with a remit to launch new padel venues, develop industry partnerships, and oversee the development of a new padel coach training pathway.
James has more than 20 years’ professional experience of the global tennis industry and joins us after eight years as Director of Tennis Coaching at the world renowned La Manga Club Resort in Spain. With his expertise – from coaching world class players to managing one of the leading tennis academies in Europe – and with his personable style and leadership qualities, James is fast becoming a valuable and integral part of our team, and we are delighted to have him onboard.
After a whirlwind first few months in his role, I managed to catch up with James and ask for his thoughts.
'I am excited to have joined Game4Padel. The team’s vision, knowledge and energy in driving the rollout of padel across the UK is impressive. To be asked to be part of this dynamic team is a real privilege. I can't wait to start delivering new venues and projects and creating a vibrant padel scene across the country.
What are you enjoying most about the job?
Being behind the scenes and seeing the foundations and infrastructure being put in place for the growth of the sport has been amazing. Over the next few months we will start to open more venues, and provide more opportunities for people to play.
Are you happy to be working back in the UK?
Having lived and worked in Spain for the past 13 years it has been great to reconnect with many old colleagues and friends here. One of my key drivers is to bring the team’s experience and contacts together to provide a social and inclusive padel environment which will open up the game and connect players from all backgrounds.
What have been the highlights from your first few months at Game4Padel?
Networking at the Estrella Damm Master Final 2021 – the World Padel Tour event in
Madrid. That is the glamourous, professional, top end of the game. A superb, 9000+ capacity stadium and high-quality matches with energetic crowds made for great entertainment – the buzz amongst the fans was electric.
But on a personal level, what speaks to me most is the ground roots growth. Our next venue opening, at Ipswich Sports Club in three weeks’ time, is particularly special for me as Ipswich is my home town. We will be installing a pop-up court to begin with while we progress plans to create a multi court venue there at the end of the summer. This will be the first padel venue in Suffolk and that makes me proud.