A PADEL coach is bringing his passion for the sport to west Cumbria as he offers coaching sessions at a newly opened indoor Padel centre.
Jorge Beltran Rojas is sharing his skills at the new Racquet Club 24 Padel academy in Workington. He talks passion, coaching, and the growth of Padel with the Times & Star.
Early Beginnings:
Q: When did you first start playing Padel, and what attracted you to the sport?
A: “I was around 11 or 12, at a summer camp where they introduced a variety of sports. The new Padel courts really caught my eye. They resembled tennis courts but were smaller with tall concrete walls. I was fascinated by the game from the start and once I played, I was hooked. It wasn’t about being the best; it was about dedication and hard work.”
Professional Journey:
Q: How did you transition from playing Padel to coaching?
A: “After moving to the UK in 2014 and finding few Padel courts, my passion rekindled when the first club opened in Wilmslow in 2023. This reignited my desire to coach and introduce the sport to as many people as possible. By 2024, I completed my qualifications with Padel MBA and also obtained LTA accreditation.”
Coaching Philosophy:
Q: What is your coaching philosophy?
A: “I focus on teaching the right techniques and tactics, emphasising the enjoyment of the game over just winning. Padel is not just about shots but making fewer mistakes. It’s about resilience, both on the court and in life.”
Personal Life:
Q: What interests do you pursue outside of Padel?
A: “I’m very active and enjoy multiple sports including Cumbrian fell running. Although a motorbike accident slowed me down a little, I’ve also developed a love for exploring various cuisines and discovering new places to eat.”
Padel’s Growth:
Q: How do you compare the popularity of Padel in Spain and the UK?
A: “Padel is incredibly popular in Spain, ranking just below football. There are over 15,000 courts and 3.5 million players. The UK is catching up, though still in its early stages of popularisation.”
Contributions to Racquet Club 24:
Q: What programs are you bringing to Racquet Club 24?
A: “I’ve introduced ‘Introduction to Padel’ sessions to Racquet Club 24 help newcomers start correctly, understanding both play and rules. We’re introducing beginner and intermediate sessions and also supporting a ‘King/Queen of the court’ starting Saturday to stir up competitive spirit among players.” These classes are easily booked using the Playtomic.io booking system.
Visions for the Future:
Q: What are your long-term goals for the Racquet Club 24 academy?
A: “I aim to see the academy flourish with multiple coaches and daily sessions. My vision includes expanding our offerings to tournaments and social sessions.
Training Challenges:
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a Padel coach?
A: One of the main challenges is adapting the training to cater to different skill levels simultaneously. Padel is a sport that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced players alike, and each session needs to be structured so that everyone finds it rewarding and challenging. Another challenge is keeping the sport engaging over time, encouraging players to continually develop their skills and enjoy their progress.
Influence of Spanish Padel:
Q: How does your Spanish heritage influence your coaching style?
A: Coming from Spain, where Padel is a significant part of sports culture, I bring a blend of traditional and innovative coaching methods to the UK. My style incorporates a lot of the disciplined training techniques common in Spain, but also a focus on the social and fun aspects of the game, which are crucial for building a community around the sport.
Adapting to UK Conditions:
Q: How do you adapt your coaching methods for the UK, considering the sport’s nascent presence here?
A: Adapting involves understanding the local sports culture and introducing Padel in a way that resonates with people here. It’s about making Padel accessible and appealing by linking it to familiar concepts, like tennis, while emphasizing its unique aspects. I also focus on creating a welcoming environment where new players can feel comfortable and excited about returning to the courts.
Personal Satisfaction:
Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your coaching career?
A: The most satisfying aspect is seeing someone fall in love with Padel just as I did. When a new player gets hooked on the game, starts improving, and gains confidence, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s also fulfilling to see the community around the club grow, where lifelong friendships start on the Padel court.
Q: How can I book a lesson with you at the Racquet Club 24 Padel academy?
Just subscribe to RacquetClub24.com you’ll receive an email with instructions for downloading Playtomic.io and book a class in the Academy section. See you on court!
