PadelStars has appointed former LTA No 1 Ellie Tait as its first player ambassador. The 30‑year‑old will play a central role in the operator’s campaign to raise female participation across its venues to 50 percent by 2027. Tait will attend events, lead activations, and deliver clinics to encourage more women and girls to take up the sport.
Current participation and future goals
PadelStars currently operates 11 venues in southern England, with six more planned in the next six months. Female participation stands at 28 percent, slightly below the national average of 30 percent reported by the LTA in March 2026. The company identified the need to address gender imbalance in late 2025 and has since committed resources to change the trend.
Support for Tait’s career
Beyond her ambassadorial duties, PadelStars is backing Tait’s professional journey. Competing internationally on the Cupra FIP Tour, she sees the partnership as pivotal. “I’m really excited to be partnering with PadelStars at such an important time for the sport. Their ambition to reach 50/50 male and female participation by 2027 is bold, but it’s exactly what padel needs as it grows,” she said. Tait added that the company’s support is a “game changer” for her ability to train, compete, and maintain her top‑10 position in Great Britain.
Leadership perspective
Jeevan Gill, COO of PadelStars, praised the appointment. “Ellie is the perfect cultural fit for PadelStars and is a great role model to encourage women and girls to try padel,” he commented. Gill highlighted her background as an international hockey player, noting that padel clubs often attract athletes from other sports.
Tackling barriers to entry
PadelStars has also enlisted Fiona Coope, assistant manager at PadelStars St Albans, to spearhead grassroots efforts. Coope is developing programs to address barriers such as confidence issues, body image concerns, safety at venues, and facility standards. “There are a number of factors that are stopping women from playing the sport. Being aware of this enables us to put on events and activities that allay these fears and bring together women and girls into a fun and sociable environment,” she explained.
Building inclusivity and growth
The initiative recognizes the diverse needs of women entering padel, from competitive players to beginners seeking a supportive environment. Coaching sessions, tournaments, and community events are being designed to provide multiple entry points. Plans include partnerships with schools, holiday camps, and junior pathways, with 2026 serving as a pilot year before a wider rollout in 2027. Gill emphasized the importance of the campaign, saying that padel offers a rare chance to establish gender balance from the outset and that women’s role as community builders will be vital in helping the sport thrive.
