About André
André Lérias’s journey into padel began through sport, study, and a spark of curiosity. With a degree in Sports Science and early coaching experience in both basketball and tennis, he discovered padel while completing his Master’s in Sports Management. Friends encouraged him to try it, and from the very first session, he was hooked, like so many of us!
André completed several courses and certifications, first coaching in Portugal before moving to Spain as the Head Coach of a club. His next chapter took him to the UAE, where he joined WPA as a coach before becoming their Youth Academy Head Coach. He later moved to PadeAE as Head Coach, and today he has taken the leap into building his own padel consultancy project while continuing to coach as a freelancer.
André’s Perspective: Padel Across the World
Dubai has played a major role in André’s coaching evolution. He’s watched the regional boom unfold since Covid, especially in Dubai, where the number of courts – whether in clubs, residential buildings, communities, or even beachfront locations – has rapidly increased.
Compared to Portugal and Spain, the UAE stands out for its strong demand for 1-on-1 coaching, whereas group sessions tend to dominate in Europe, André told us. The overall level of play is also rising rapidly, boosted by the arrival of professional players who are relocating to the region thanks to its lifestyle, facilities, and proximity to major tournaments.
Coach Insights
For beginners, André’s advice is simple: start with a coach. Early guidance helps players understand the fundamentals, progress faster, and avoid developing bad habits – especially when it comes to the grip.
Building Community
André believes that great coaching is about more than technical instruction. It’s also about energy, patience, attention to detail, and creating an environment where players learn and genuinely enjoy themselves. Quality coaching paired with good vibes is, in his view, the key to building a strong and connected padel community.
Looking Ahead
André is currently developing his own consultancy project, offering online coaching, padel concierge services, and – looking to the future – supporting clubs with the creation of their academy methodologies. His next chapter is all about helping others build the structures and systems that will shape the sport’s future.
