About Louis
Louis Telford, from Greater Manchester, is a remarkable multi-sport athlete competing at the top level. Living with cerebral palsy diplegia has never held him back: Louis plays professional wheelchair basketball abroad as part of the England pathway programme for half the year, and dedicates the other half to representing Great Britain in adaptive padel.
Currently ranked among the top 10 adaptive padel players in the UK and the UK’s No. 3 wheelchair player, Louis is playing an important role in driving the growth of inclusive sport.
On Court & Competitions
Louis is actively competing in tournaments such as the Inclusive Padel Tour (IPT), alongside close friends and fellow adaptive athletes Andrew Simister (UK No. 1 amputee padel player) and Kristen Paskins (UK No. 1 wheelchair padel player). For Louis, padel’s unique strength lies in its accessibility: “It’s so inclusive. Anybody of any age, level, or ability can play.”
How Louis Discovered Padel
Louis first discovered padel by chance. On his way to basketball training, he met Kristen Paskins on a train, and the two quickly became friends. After a basketball session together, they went for food, where a padel club owner approached them and politely invited them to try the sport. That club was Padel Maidenhead, who ensured their facilities were fully wheelchair-friendly and welcoming.
That moment marked the beginning of Louis’s journey into the sport, where he instantly felt at home in such an inclusive environment.
Looking Ahead
Louis’s mission is to grow adaptive padel in the UK and encourage more adaptive athletes to take part. One of the biggest challenges remains funding, as athletes like Louis often face financial barriers when it comes to travelling for tournaments and events. His goal is not only to raise awareness but also to secure the exposure and support needed to give adaptive players more opportunities to compete at the highest level.
Amazing journey and commitment, Louis. We wish you all the best!
