COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
RAF PADEL
- United Kingdom
- Jamie Rowe
About Ben
Ben’s padel journey began in late 2022 after moving to Madrid for work. He first picked up a racket in November and, like so many others, quickly became hooked to padel.
From this, he made it his mission to bring padel back to the UK Armed Forces so he could continue playing when he eventually returned home.
Community Origins
For Ben, the military community extends far beyond the service person – it includes the families and friends who support them. He saw padel as a way to bridge that gap. Weekly matches with partners and kids soon became the vision: creating an environment where a service spouse at home during deployment could find friendship, coffee, and a game of padel.
On court, the sport also levels the playing field within the forces – it bridges the gap between rank and role when everyone is competing together. Through padel, service members develop communication, leadership, and resilience, all of which transfer off the court.
While Ben was initially told it couldn’t be done, he refused to give up. Slowly, he built a global network of supporters, each contributing to what RAF Padel has become today.
Getting Involved
The RAF Padel model is built around padel clubs located off-base, designed to bring military personnel and local communities together. These clubs won’t just be about the sport – they’ll serve as hubs with cafés, golf simulators, and wellness spaces.
Anyone interested can follow the journey on Instagram @raf.padel and connect directly with Ben to get involved.
Community Reflections
Breaking down barriers to gain recognition for padel within the armed forces was the toughest challenge. While some said it would take five years, RAF Padel achieved it in just 18 months.
There have been many highlights: from celebrating on centre court at the Valladolid Premier Padel to spending time with Eva Longoria and other celebrities at the Hexagon Cup, Ben has witnessed the incredible opportunities padel has created.
Looking Ahead
The next stage is all about building clubs. With the groundwork complete, Ben is preparing for a groundbreaking launch in early spring next year. While he’s keeping most details under wraps, he hints at an unforgettable mix of padel, a military helicopter, and an aircraft carrier (sounds like it’ll be making those Top 5 Padel Courts we often see on social media!).
One thing is clear: RAF Padel is set to transform the role of sport within the UK Armed Forces, and Ben is proud to be leading the charge.
We thank Ben for sharing RAF Padel’s story with us, and wish him all the best! p.s. we (probably) wouldn’t say no to a helicopter-related padel match too if invited …
