Meet Abbey Rose. Abbey lives in Spain, near our padel club at Oliva Nova Resort. And until 2 years ago Abbey was a non-participant in any sport. A creative soul – a graphic designer, a furniture painter and up cycler, mother of two, who – even though married to Game4Padel’s very own racket sport nut, James Rose – had managed to avoid playing sport of any kind since high school.
Even when James was Director of Tennis at the prestigious 5 Star La Manga Club Resort, Abbey found tennis intimidating. Unable to get to grips with the overhead serve, she quickly gave up.
But now, to her surprise, Abbey is playing padel three times a week and organising a weekly Padel Breakfast Club at Oliva Nova for 20 plus regular enthusiasts.
Abbey started with a few padel lessons after dropping her children at school. It was, she says, “like being on the beach playing bat and ball”. No overhead serve – easy to pick up. A “lazy sport” – or it can be (Team, please don’t kill me!). And Abbey found padel was a great way to meet people…
Those people became The Padel Blondes – a handful of expat British Mums initially more attracted to the social opportunity than the sport. And for most, padel became a lifeline.
Abbey’s informal, but organised games and coffee afterwards attracted others. Players began bringing their friends and partners. Now she is accommodating different levels of player, husbands whose wives don’t want to play with them, requests for gluten-free toast and dairy-free coffees…
An organiser and community activator by nature, Abbey is about to take the scary step of becoming a padel coach so that she can feel more confident coaching beginners.
Having signed up for the Padelmba CPC this weekend, Abbey explains, “I feel it is invaluable to do this as I feel many people are isolated because they don’t feel good enough. I want to be able to help. It will improve not just my padel but my confidence and credibility – as I will be qualified to help people.”
We wish Abbey the very best of luck and will let you know how she gets on. If Abbey’s story inspires you, follow her on Instagram: @padelblondes
So, why do you play padel? If you have a story to tell, email carol@game4padel.com
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