Padel champs

Padel tennis is exploding in popularity across Europe, and two 12-year-old talents from Bath are leading the charge. Meet Freddie Calvert-Jones and Alexander Corfield, rising stars helping to put this dynamic sport on the local map.

Padel tennis, Europe’s fastest-growing sport blending the best of squash and tennis, is gaining serious momentum in Bath, and it’s all thanks to two young talents making waves on the national and international stage. Freddie Calvert-Jones and Alexander Corfield, both just 12 years old, currently rank 7th in the UK and 250th globally in their age group.

Former county-level tennis players, the boys first discovered padel while on holiday in Portugal two years ago. Instantly hooked by the fast-paced, social nature of the game, they’ve been dedicated ever since. Now training twice a week in Bristol under the guidance of coach Joan Sendra, they’ve already made a mark by reaching the semi-finals of the UK’s first international padel tournament.

But their ambitions go beyond personal success. Teaming up with Bath-based Rupert Taylor, CEO of Smash Padel, they aim to bring the sport to Bath, inspiring more kids to embrace it. Smash Padel Bicester was recently honoured as the LTA Club of the Year 2025, a testament to its inclusive ethos and growing impact on the UK padel scene.

What is padel tennis?

Played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, padel is typically played in doubles. The rules are similar to tennis, but with a few twists: the ball can bounce off the walls and serves are underhand. This makes the game more accessible and less reliant on power, levelling the playing field for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Originating in Mexico in the late 1960s, padel quickly gained popularity in Spain and Argentina before spreading across Europe. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with new courts popping up across the UK at an unprecedented rate.

One of the reasons padel is so appealing is its accessibility. It’s easy to learn, incredibly social and doesn’t require years of training to enjoy. Whether you’re 8 or 80, the game offers a fun, fast-paced workout that’s as much about strategy and teamwork as it is about athleticism.

A Velocity Elite racket from Pallap

“What we love most about padel is that we can play with anyone – kids our age, our family and other adults”, say Freddie and Alexander. “Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. It’s not just about competition – it’s about having fun and being part of a really awesome community.”

Freddie and Alexander’s passion for the sport has also led them to become ambassadors for Pallap, an exciting new padel brand based in Gloucester. Pallap is also on a mission to make padel more visible and accessible across the UK, offering high-quality gear and supporting grassroots initiatives. The boys proudly represent the brand, helping to promote its values of inclusivity, energy and fun.

Their journey is a shining example of how padel is capturing the imagination of a new generation. With their talent, drive and infectious enthusiasm, Freddie and Alexander are not only climbing the ranks, but also helping to shape the future of the sport in the UK.

You can follow Freddie and Alexander’s padel journey and training adventures on Instagram: @freddie_topknot and @alexcorfield_padel.

smashpadel.co; pallapsport.com