Chris Barker
AP / 004
FOUNDER · COACH · COMMUNITY BUILDER
HARROGATE · YORKSHIRE PADEL COLLECTIVE
Founder of Yorkshire Padel Collective, a growing coaching and community brand bringing together players through coaching, events, demo days and social sessions across Yorkshire.
What are you building in UK padel?
I’m building Yorkshire Padel Collective around something pretty simple: getting more people playing padel and creating a proper community around it. Coaching is a big part of that, but I want it to be much more than just turning up, having a lesson and going home. I want to bring people together through social sessions, events, networking, demo days and great brand partnerships. Ultimately, I’d love Yorkshire Padel Collective to become a recognised name within the growing padel scene in Yorkshire and beyond.
What does the graft actually look like?
At the moment, it’s very hands on. I’m building Yorkshire Padel Collective from the ground up, coaching and developing my own game, speaking to clubs and venues, approaching brands, building the website and social presence, testing products and constantly looking for opportunities to get more people involved. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that nobody sees, but that’s part of what I enjoy. I’ve spent most of my career in sales and building commercial relationships, so I’m now putting all of that experience into something I genuinely love.
Why does it matter to you?
It matters because I’ve completely bought into padel. I love the competitive side of it, but what really stands out to me is how social and inclusive the sport can be. You can get four people on a court who might never otherwise have met and, within an hour, they’re having a laugh and already talking about the next game. I want to help create more of that. I’m also at a stage in my life where I want to build something of my own around a sport and community I genuinely believe in.
What are you chasing next?
Growth, but the right kind of growth. More coaching, more players, more events and some really strong partnerships with brands that I genuinely want to wear, use and represent. I’m also keen to work with clubs and venues across Yorkshire and build a calendar of social, networking and community events. Longer term, I want Yorkshire Padel Collective to be known for great coaching, great people and helping grow the game in the North.