Mail Metro Media launches Padelfest in support of British Heart Foundation
Mail Metro Media chief revenue officer Dominic Williams has launched an industry charity event in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The inaugural Padelfest will see media industry leaders square off in a round-robin-style padel tournament at Earls Court’s Padel Social Club on 10 September.
Media professionals can enter as teams of two, with an entry fee allowing players and their guests to attend and enjoy the day’s matches, with food and refreshments provided.
The event is launching in partnership with the BHF, which Williams has a close connection with.
Williams, who suffered a heart attack three years ago, told The Media Leader that he credits the charity with getting him back on his feet during recovery.
“They were just amazing for the aftercare,” he said. “They got me back, they got my confidence back.”
Through the event, Williams is looking to marry his passion for supporting the BHF with his passion for padel, which he plays several times a week.
“I love it, I’m addicted to it,” he said.
Padel is a racket sport, typically played in doubles, with the same scoring system as tennis, albeit with a number of rule differences. Chiefly, courts have walls that balls can be played off, similar to squash.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association, padel participation in the UK has trebled over the past year, with over 400,000 adults and juniors playing at least once during 2024. The growth in popularity has led to an expansion of infrastructure, with more courts being built around the country. Presently, there are 893 padel courts available across 300 venues.
Williams picked up the sport during his recovery period, as it is not as “aggressive” as squash nor as fast-paced as tennis, so players’ heart rates are maintained at less extreme levels. He proudly noted that he won DMG Media’s own padel tournament last year.
Williams (left) playing padel in Portugal
Wanting to “give something back” to the BHF, Williams and Mail Metro Media are aiming to raise between £25,000 and £50,000 via entry fees and sponsorship opportunities for the tournament.
The aim is to get at least 20 teams signed up, although the competition allows for a maximum of 32 teams.
“It’d be amazing to give the British Heart Foundation a big fat cheque,” said Williams, who has earmarked the funds towards funding the BHF’s recovery and support efforts.
Claire Sadler, the BHF’s chief marketing and fundraising officer, said the charity is “thrilled” to be partnering Mail Metro Media for the event.
“Far too many of us have felt the pain of losing someone we love to cardiovascular disease, the world’s biggest killer. But with the dedicated help of our supporters, British Heart Foundation will be able to power groundbreaking research to save and improve lives,” Sadler said.
“Collaborations like this are simply indispensable to power advances in cardiovascular science and healthcare that will bring us closer to the day that everyone has a healthier heart for longer.”