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As Wimbledon captured the nation’s attention this summer, The Change Foundation brought that same excitement and energy to south London by introducing 40 young people to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, padel.
Hosted at Game4Padel’s fantastic venue in Vauxhall, the day welcomed young people from across The Change Foundation’s programmes, including young people with disabilities and those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). For every participant, it was their very first experience of playing padel.
What followed was far more than a sports session. It was a day filled with laughter, teamwork, new friendships and moments of genuine joy as young people discovered hidden talents and encouraged one another on court. The atmosphere reflected everything that sport can achieve, building confidence, breaking down barriers and bringing people together.
Of course, no Wimbledon-inspired event would be complete without strawberries and cream, which proved just as popular off the court as the padel was on it.
By the end of the day, many young people were already asking when they could play again, a sure sign that a lifelong love of the sport may just have begun. Our answer, “see you at the next session.”
The Change Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the LTA Tennis Foundation for its generous support in making the event possible, and to the fantastic team at Game4Padel, particularly James Rose and Jack Hardie, for creating such a welcoming and memorable experience.
Introducing young people to new opportunities through sport is what The Change Foundation is all about, and this unforgettable day demonstrated just how powerful those first experiences can be.
