The New Social Sport - Inside Connect Padel UK
Discovering Padel
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe — but in Australia, it hasn’t quite had its boom yet. So, naturally, I jumped on a train from London up to Birmingham to explore the sport myself and meet Charlie Thomson, the founder of Connect Padel UK. What I found was more than just a new sport; it was a glimpse into how padel is reshaping communities and sporting culture across the UK.
More Than a Game
Padel is fast, fun, and easy to learn. Within minutes, I’d picked up the basics and was rallying away. As Adrian Tobin taught me, sports where players are constantly involved create stronger connections and a greater sense of community — when everyone is active, engaged, and part of the action, people are happier and more social. Padel is like that: you’re almost always near the ball, hitting, moving, and fully immersed in the game.
I was lucky enough to meet Shiraz, a 71-year-old who perfectly embodies the culture of Connect Padel. He’s always eager to rally, whether with old friends or new faces he’s met through the club, and he thrives on the friendly competition that comes with it. Open sessions run daily from 8 am to 10 pm, making it easy for everyone to get involved throughout the week.
Charlie told me a story about how Shiraz even teamed up with him to take on two young coaches in their twenties — and not only did he hold his own, he was fiercely competitive. During my own hit, he even heckled me for not being good enough given how young I was! I loved it. Moments like that sum up what makes padel so special: age, gender, and ability don’t matter. The sport connects people, encourages camaraderie, and fosters bonds that go far beyond the court. Plus, I got a sneak peek into Shiraz’s incredible life — full of travels, adventures, and business stories that would make anyone feel like they were playing with a legend.
A New Kind of Club
There is a catch, though: padel isn’t cheap, and courts are in short supply. It’s often seen as a “middle-class sport”, especially in London where demand far outweighs supply. What I really appreciated about Connect Padel is how Charlie recognised that challenge from the outset and built a model that aims to keep the sport as inclusive as possible.
Membership is affordable, but the real difference is in the community he’s fostering. Players can either book a court with friends or book a spot in an open session with other members, which encourages genuine connection and keeps the community growing authentically. Charlie himself is deeply involved — he regularly plays alongside members, jumps in to fill numbers for open sessions, and helps new players work on their game. There’s also a WhatsApp group where people can find playing partners, regular member events, and the 1000 hours pledge, which gives disadvantaged schools and charities access not just to padel, but to sport more broadly.
Their home at the Birmingham Moseley Sporting Village only adds to that spirit — a hub where rugby, football, beach volleyball, and gym-goers all cross paths. Families can head down together, friends are trying new things, and even businesses are jumping on the hype train by using padel for team socials. It’s an environment built around fitness, connection, and fun, and padel is quickly becoming one of its heartbeat sports.
Get on Board
Padel is an amazing sport that ticks every box: it’s social, inclusive, and still only scratching the surface of its potential. It’s already attracting professional athletes, musicians, and actors — not just as players but also as investors. And with whispers that it could one day become an Olympic sport, the grassroots impact would be enormous.
As for me? I wasn’t exactly a natural on the court — but I had an absolute blast. Charlie is one of the most genuine people I’ve met on this journey, and I’ll never forget him shouting me pizza for dinner after our hit. If you’re in Birmingham, check out Connect Padel UK — because this is a community you’ll want to be part of!
PS: Charlie’s summer house music mix is class!
