Gloucestershire Tennis has launched PadelAbility: Inclusive Padel for All – a new initiative opening up padel to people of all abilities across the county.
Supported by a grant from the Gloucestershire Disability Fund and delivered in partnership with The Padel Club, the first PadelAbility taster day took place last week at The Padel Club, Gloucester Quays.
The event marked the beginning of an ambitious county-wide programme designed to create long-term adapted padel opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities.
The inclusive sessions were led by Sue Morrison, Co-Founder of LUSU Sports, a national leader in inclusive sport. Participants included deaf adults supported by a British Sign Language interpreter, children with complex learning needs, and children with profound learning disabilities.
The partnership between Gloucestershire Tennis and The Padel Club demonstrates how local collaboration can deliver genuine community benefit and help the sport grow inclusively.
Dr Heather Sheridan, Glos Padel Lead, said: “PadelAbility shows what’s possible when inclusion comes first. Sourcing the funding and support to get the programme off the ground was a real challenge, but it is possible when local partners share a vision.
“We are delighted to be working with Kris Ball and his team at The Padel Club. The enthusiasm from everyone involved has been incredible.”
Ball, Founder and CEO of The Padel Club, added: “This project is a great example of how local partnerships can make a real difference. By combining resources and expertise, we’re showing that accessible padel isn’t just an aspiration – it’s achievable right now.
“As the sport grows, we have a responsibility to make sure everyone has a way in, and we’ve always designed our clubs to achieve that. PadelAbility is helping us understand how to deliver that in practice and ensure everybody can get the most out of our fantastic facilities”.
Emma Aldred-Tow, Glos Adapted Padel Lead, reflected on the day’s impact: “Seeing the smiles, energy, and connection on court was wonderful. This is what inclusive sport is all about.”
Young participants were equally enthusiastic. “I hit the ball. I did it!”said one young girl. “I like the noise. It made me happy”,said ateenage boy.
PadelAbility sessions will continue through November and December and into 2026, with the goal of establishing sustainable adapted padel groups across Gloucestershire.
Images: Ade Bates
