MILITARY SPORT

Ben Hanley, a Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant, explains the background to UK Armed Forces Padel and how the organisation is developing the sport across the military

Padel wasn’t something I ever expected to play – let alone be responsible for introducing into the British Armed Forces. But after first picking up a racket in Spain, I saw its potential immediately and pushed, largely alone at the outset, for padel to be formally recognised within UK Armed Forces sport. That persistence paid off, and today I oversee UK Armed Forces Padel, supporting players across the RAF, Army and Navy.

What immediately struck me about padel was how naturally it fits military life. It’s fast, tactical, and built on communication. You can’t succeed without trusting your partner – something every service person understands instinctively. But unlike many traditional military sports, padel is also highly accessible. People can pick it up quickly, enjoy it straight away, and progress together.

More importantly, I saw padel as a way to bridge gaps between service personnel, their families, and the civilian communities that surround military bases. Military life can be transient and isolating; padel creates a shared space where everyone belongs, regardless of rank or background.

It’s also one of the few sports I’ve encountered that genuinely champions women. In a profession where women are often underrepresented, particularly in sport, padel offers a level playing field. Mixed sessions, mixed competition, and equal visibility aren’t an afterthought; they’re built into the culture. That mattered to me from day one.

As interest grew, it became clear that padel needed structure to survive. That led me to complete my M3 coaching qualification in Madrid – not to chase personal performance, but to ensure safe, sustainable growth within the forces. Coaching also took on deeper meaning during my own recovery from a serious knee injury, when padel became both a physical outlet and a mental reset.

Since then, padel has taken me far beyond anything I expected. I’ve worked at events on the PremierPadel circuit, supported delivery roles at the Hexagon Cup, and found myself working alongside elite players, high-profile athletes and celebrities – all drawn together by the sport. Those experiences reinforced how padel transcends background and status; on court, everyone speaks the same language.

Looking ahead, my ambition goes beyond competition alone. We are opening community-based padel clubs around the UK and overseas – hubs that bring together service personnel, veterans, families and local communities. Places where padel supports wellbeing, inclusion and connection, while also creating sustainable pathways for coaching, competition and rehabilitation.

I believe padel has the potential to become one of the Armed Forces’ most impactful modern sports – supporting recruitment, retention and community cohesion in equal measure. For me, padel has never just been about the game. It’s about people, purpose, and building something that lasts – on and off the court.