Who we work with
We are actively looking for more sites. We work with sports clubs, local authorities, leisure facilities operators, professional landlords, retail and business parks, and land management teams to build padel courts around the UK. If you’re interested in working with us, get in touch!
tim foster
ceo & founder
Tim is an ex-professional sportsman, having played rugby for Wasps. He quickly recognised the growth potential in padel within the UK and brings a deep understanding of the property and construction sector to Padel Project UK. Knowing the complexities involved in this industry, he is vital to the rapid development of the new sites we are bringing on board. His previous business specialised in the construction, design and planning of specialist supported living properties. His experience in the sector has helped him to forge key relationships with both landlords and construction suppliers.
Prior to his property business, Tim was a successful trader in the City. He remains a keen sportsman despite a few battle scars from his rugby days, and when not playing padel, Tim is hugely interested in the countryside and outdoor pursuits.
Edyta Pearce
director of Operations
Edyta has worked in the racket sports industry for over 20 years. She manages the quality assurance, contract compliance, HR, IT and CRM functions at Padel Project UK and has much experience working with large businesses. Her previous role as business director at Will to Win brings her wealth of knowledge to business critical functions at Padel Project UK. Edyta has an MBA, MSc and two masters degrees. In her spare time she also manages her property business in the UK and in Poland.
henry ash
business development leader
Henry spent the first 8 years of his career working in finance. When an opportunity arose to combine his love for racket sports with his profession he decided to change career path/make the move.
Henry joined Padel Project UK in January 2024. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in relationship management and business development and will be tasked with expanding the pipeline for new business. He is personally interested in getting more people active through playing padel and will be leading projects for community engagement at our centres.
Henry's other passions are sport, the outdoors and travel. He has his eyes set on one day rowing the Atlantic!
george hollings
business development executive
George graduated in International Business and Spanish back in 2022 - during his time at university he had the opportunity to live in Spain for a year where he fell head over heels for padel. Upon moving to London it quickly became obvious that the UK demand for Padel far outstripped the supply.
George joined Padel Project UK in January 2024. He brings with him an unbridled passion for padel and a desire to get as many Brits on court as possible. As Business Development Executive George will primarily be identifying ideal locations throughout the UK in which the sport can thrive.
In his free time George likes to play padel and make excellent focaccia!
Chris Mathias
Non-Executive Chairman
Chris is a successful entrepreneur and leader with an excellent 30-year track record in building early-stage start-up businesses. Chris is involved in the strategy of Padel Project UK, the growth ambitions of the business and oversees the Padel Project UK board. Chris co-founded CMG Partners and Arbor Ventures, both of which are private investment management companies with a strong focus on early-stage companies and turnaround/restructure situations. Prior to this, Chris successfully founded several companies, most notably Conduit Communications Ltd. Chris is a keen philanthropist with particular commitment to the eradication of the trafficking of women nd children through Kolkatta, India. Chris is also a passionate sportsperson having played polo for most of his adult life, as well as being a strong tennis and table tennis player.
Erik Van Meeteren
director & Founder
Erik has a background in Sales and Marketing in the Leisure and Sports Industry. He held several director positions including at the VF cooperation and New Era, and was the founder of the budget fitness chain Gym4all. Erik is closely involved with assessing new locations for Padel Project UK, and works with the team to ensure a successful build, opening, and operation of venues. He is an active sports enthusiast playing tennis, fitness, golf and of course padel.
Steve Riley
President & Founder
Steve has been working within the racket sports community for over 30 years both in the UK and abroad. He is passionate about getting people from every walk of life in to the sports that he loves and has been doing this since he founded Will to Win in 1995. Steve and his team created one of the largest private operators of public park sports facilities in the UK, and rolled out tennis and padel courts across the Royal Parks in London as well as with local councils.
Steve recently built and opened our first centre in Lowther Gardens, Lytham which has gone from strength to strength. He coaches there regularly, and loves getting involved bringing padel to his home community.
Steve is a level 5 LTA tennis coach and a BPCA qualified padel coach.
Mark Mathias
Board Member & Director
Mark is a successful and commercial business director having founded, grown and sold his own business in fund management. Mark is on the board of Padel Project UK, advising on sales & marketing, business development, strategy and operations. Mark joined Arbor Ventures in 2013 and has been instrumental in the development of many of the start-up businesses nurtured and founded by the Arbor Ventures. Mark has a wealth of commercial experience and is experienced in growth company development. Mark is a keen sportsmen, with a particular interest in tennis and rugby.
RobERT Keane
Board Member & Director
Robert is a qualified chartered accountant with several years of corporate finance experience in many sectors. He is on the board of Padel Project UK and advises on all financial matters, overseeing the financial health and projections of the company. Robert has worked at Arbor Ventures since 2008 and works very closely with many start-up growth companies advising on the financial and operational functions. Previously at Dawnay Day, Robert worked as a Corporate Development Executive. Robert is an avid football fan and closely follows the highs and lows of Arsenal Football Club, and enjoys spending time with his family.
The mission is simple: bring more padel courts to the UK to allow more people to play the game.