Ross Dyke
AP / 009
PLAYER · CREATOR · COACH
NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE · DESTINATION PADEL
Ross Dyke is the player and creator behind Ross Plays Padel, sharing POV rallies, real points and real mistakes. Based in Cheshire, he’s a qualified BPCA instructor and a familiar face at his main club, Destination Padel Northwich, where he’s played over 500 games. What started as an obsession is fast becoming his next career.
What are you building in UK padel?
Through Ross Plays Padel, I’m showing the highs and lows of an everyday player trying to improve. There are some good shots, plenty of mistakes and usually something to laugh at. I want people to watch and think, “I fancy having a go at that.” I’ve also qualified as a coach, so I can help people get started on court as well as through their phones.
What does the work actually look like?
Playing almost every day, filming it, going through the footage, editing and getting a reel out every evening. Then there’s replying to messages, working with brands and developing as a coach. All alongside running Escape Live, one of the UK’s leading escape room companies. The reel might only last 20 seconds, but there’s a fair bit behind it. Thankfully, I’d be playing anyway 😂
Why does it matter to you?
Because I absolutely love it. The game, the people, the competition, even the frustrating bits. Destination Padel has become a second home, and the friendships are as big a part of it as the padel. What might have started as a midlife crisis is looking suspiciously like a new career 😅 It’s given me something new to chase, and helping someone else discover that same buzz would be pretty special.
What are you chasing next?
Making padel my full-time life. Growing Ross Plays Padel, developing as a coach and getting more people involved through content, coaching and events. There are some exciting conversations happening, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they lead. I want to keep improving, work with good people and brands, and see how far I can take it. And ideally stop making quite so many mistakes on camera 😂