A fast-growing sport is bringing South Wales Police officers and staff together, with the newly established South Wales Police (SWP) Padel Sports Club already attracting interest from across the Force.
Padel, a social and accessible racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has quickly gained popularity among members, with more than 30 active players already involved and a further 100 people expressing an interest in joining.
Branch workplace representative Matthew Stanley is one of six members helping to develop the club, creating more opportunities for colleagues of all abilities to get involved, compete and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport alongside their policing roles.
To help the club continue to grow, the South Wales Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme has pledged financial support.
The funding will support the club’s ongoing development, including court hire, equipment, matches, tournaments and wellbeing initiatives for officers and staff involved.
And with padel still a relatively new addition to the Force’s sports and social scene, Matthew described the GIS sponsorship as a ‘major step’ towards establishing the club and ensuring everyone across the Force has the opportunity to get involved.
“If we are efficient with the funding, it represents a great opportunity for us to really sustain the club for the years to come,” Matthew said.
“We can take on new players to join our existing players and give them everything they need to enjoy a great sport, some exciting competition, and most importantly, an inclusive community to belong to – all at discounted membership prices.
Padel
“To put it simply, padel is a lot of fun, and it doesn’t surprise me at all that it’s getting more and more popular all the time. It’s played in doubles and shares many characteristics with tennis, except it’s smaller, faster, more social and easier to pick up.
“I actually fell into it through playing tennis within the Force, but I have helped give what was already going on a bit more structure and organisation, and now we’re here – although it is certainly not just me who has played a part in getting us to this point.”
Since this movement was solidified by the likes of club chair Matthew, secretary PC Lewis Keen and treasurer Sergeant Richard Treharne, SWP Padel Sports Club have already taken part in the Police Sport UK (PSUK) Padel Championships 2026, which was held in Chelmsford, Essex, earlier this year.
Matthew added that the idea moving forward is to select a group of players to represent the Force at the annual national competition each year.
“With padel – perhaps more than any other sport – you really don’t have to win and be the best to get enjoyment out of it. It’s so easy to pick up, and once you’ve done that, you won’t want to stop, regardless of whether you’re winning every match,” added Matthew, who has been a Fed rep since 2025.
Sports
He went on to discuss the value of getting involved with sport and socialising with colleagues in a profession of such intense pressures and demands.
He said: “We all know policing is a tough world, so there’s nothing better than switching off with your fellow officers and staff and getting stuck into something completely different.
“The benefits you’ll feel both immediately on the court and then back in work will be fantastic for your mental health, due to the effects of physical exercise and of bonding with the people you share this crazy, unique job with.
“Around 90 per cent of our active membership are signed up to the GIS, so it is great that their loyalty to the scheme will be directly rewarded like this – on top of the incredible service it already provides to Federation members.
“This initiative perfectly aligns with many of the GIS welfare objectives and principles, such as officer wellbeing, social cohesion and respite for individuals going through difficult work or personal circumstances.
“We are extremely grateful to the Federation and the GIS and very excited about the future of padel within our force.”
Ability
You can find out more about SWP Padel Sports Club and join as a member by contacting Matthew via email, with players of any experience and ability level welcome to sign up.
You can also follow the progress of the club on Instagram by following @swppadel.
The South Wales Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme
The South Wales Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme provides comprehensive protection tailored specifically to the needs and risks faced by police officers, police staff, and their families.
Available to Federation members for a monthly subscription, the scheme offers a wide range of benefits including life insurance, personal accident cover, assault cover, sick pay insurance, legal expenses insurance, travel insurance, motor breakdown cover, healthcare benefits, and access to mental and emotional counselling support.
New officers can opt into the scheme free of charge during their first 52 weeks of service.
Federation members can apply to join by completing a form online or through the Federation office. Payments are typically made via salary or pension deduction.
To find out more about the benefits or to apply, visit the Group Insurance Scheme section of the South Wales Police Federation website.
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