Ambassadors
| Name | About |
|---|---|
Meredith Barnett |
After attending a padel taster session in August last year, Meredith quickly fell in love with the sport and has been playing regularly at The Welsh Padel Centre ever since. She enjoys taking part in both social sessions and the box league, making the most of padel’s social and competitive sides. Meredith loves encouraging new players to get involved and helping them feel welcome on court, while also being motivated to keep improving her own game. Meredith says: “Padel is such a fun and inclusive sport, and the community at the Welsh Padel Centre is what makes it so special. I love welcoming new players while continuing to challenge myself and improve.” |
Jane Carpanini |
After a padel taster while on holiday in Portugal, Jane has been playing at The Welsh Padel Centre since it opened in January 2022. Jane says: "Padel has given me the opportunity to unwind with friends and learn a new sport. Having a good work life balance is often a challenge when you work fulltime as I do. But the flexibility of the booking system and opening hours of the courts has allowed me and others to get the balance right". |
Syed Ali Jaffery |
I first started playing padel about mid 2024 when I was in Pakistan, and I enjoyed it straight away. From the very first sessions, I found the sport fun, social, and easy to get into, while still being competitive enough to keep me motivated to improve. Since then, padel has become a regular part of my routine, and my enjoyment of the game has only grown over time. Since coming here, I’ve been playing regularly at *Welsh Padel Centre*, and I can honestly say it’s been a fantastic place to continue my padel journey. The facilities are excellent — well maintained courts, a comfortable environment, and a professional setup that makes every session enjoyable. Whether you’re there for practice, friendly matches, or more competitive games, the centre provides everything needed for a great playing experience. What really stands out is the atmosphere. The centre is welcoming and inclusive, making it easy for players of all levels to feel comfortable. It’s not just a place to play — it’s a place to connect. Through regular games and sessions, I’ve met many friendly and supportive people, and built real friendships along the way. There’s a strong sense of community, where players encourage each other, organise games, and share their passion for the sport. Overall, it’s been a very positive experience. I’m grateful to have access to such a quality venue, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in starting padel or improving their game. It’s more than just a sports facility — it’s a growing community built around enjoyment, fitness, and friendship. |
Paul Jenkins |
Paul lived in Spain and been playing for almost 20 years and is one of the coaches at the centre. His very sensible approach is that "padel is meant to be enjoyed, it's all about playing with friends & acquaintances irrespective of ability". Paul is more or less a constant at the centre and organises the Tuesday and Thursday daytime 'Grumpies' sessions and is constantly arranging games for members. If you want to get involved in regular games and meet other players, Paul is your 'go to' man. At 73 years of age, Paul is a true example that you are never too old to be active. |
Hywel Lewis  |
Hywel is one of our regular team players competing in the local inter club leagues and is regularly seen opening a new can of balls before a game. You'll recognise him by the sheer number of rackets he carries around. Hywel is the driving force behind the regular coaching sessions at the club run by a senior Tennis Wales coach. As a native welsh speaker Hywel is always ready to welcome new and seasoned players on court. ‘Creoso I pawb!’ |
Rich Minor  |
Rich may be familiar to some a past Chairman of Cwmbran Tennis Club. Rich has been playing Padel at the WPC since it opened in January 2022 and has helped coordinate and run regular padel sessions on a Monday and Thursday evenings. He currently organises the Thursday evening 'Thursday Knock' which has been successfully running for over a year and generates a high interest from players. Rich has also captained our Clubs 2nd Team in the iPadel Club League. He brings a wealth of experience having served as Chairman of Cwmbran Tennis Club and will now be applying that knowledge and experience at The Welsh Padel Centre to help promote, support, and grow Padel at the club and within the broader community. |
