Soul Padel has appointed David Stalker as Board Advisor, bringing his unparalleled expertise in the leisure, health, and fitness sector to support the company’s rapid growth. With over 35 years of experience driving industry-wide change, Stalker’s appointment comes as Soul Padel builds on its recent momentum and accelerates its expansion across the UK.
A well-respected leader in the fitness industry, Stalker has held senior positions including CEO of ukactive , CEO of Myzone , Chairman of CIMSPA, and President of EuropeActive. His expertise in strategic development, policy influence, and industry engagement will help strengthen Soul Padel’s position in the UK market, forge high-level partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Stalker’s passion for padel began while playing in Portugal, where he was struck by the sport’s unique ability to bring together people of all skill levels on the same court.
“Padel is a rare sport where competition and inclusivity go hand in hand,”
said Stalker.
“It’s incredibly social and accessible—four people of completely different abilities can step onto a court together and all have fun, without feeling out of their depth. It’s great physical exercise, but you don’t necessarily realise you’re working hard because you’re so engaged in the game. That’s a powerful combination, especially for people who may not see themselves as ‘sporty.’”
Driving Participation in Sport and Health Through Padel
Throughout his career, Stalker has been committed to increasing physical activity across the UK. As CEO of ukactive, his mission was clear: “more people, more active, more often.”
He sees padel as the first mainstream sport that can genuinely make a difference to public health.
“If we don’t get more people active, the NHS will go bankrupt at the point of entry,”
he explained.
“Padel has the potential to engage those who might not typically participate in sport, making it a key part of the solution to the UK’s inactivity crisis.”
Why Soul Padel? A Shared Vision for Growth
With multiple opportunities emerging in the padel industry, Stalker was drawn to Soul Padel’s innovative model and strong leadership. Having a shared background in rugby, he quickly connected with Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel.
“I was looking for the right opportunity in padel, and when I met Mark, I just liked him,”
said Stalker.
“He has a sophisticated business mind, a real drive to make it happen, and a deep understanding that making a difference at a community level isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also the foundation for long-term commercial success. There’s real substance behind this start-up, and I see Soul Padel as a well-financed, clever company with a smart model.”
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Soul Padel, following the successful launch of its first On Campus club at Loughborough University and ahead of new permanent club openings in Stockport, St Helens, and Braehead, Glasgow. The company is also scaling its Soul Sisters and What’s That Racket? programmes, reinforcing its commitment to making padel more accessible, inclusive, and community-focused.
A Key Asset in Partnerships and Expansion
Stalker’s high-level connections make him a valuable addition to the Soul Padel team. He has worked with Sport England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and other key sporting bodies. His role will include advocating for padel at a national level, helping to secure strategic partnerships, and shaping policy conversations to further integrate padel into the UK’s sporting landscape.
Beyond lobbying, Stalker is uniquely placed to support Soul Padel’s expansion into new locations. As a Strategic Advisor and Board member of a number of Leisure industry companies and with a wealth of experience in the sector , he has deep expertise in developing health and fitness infrastructure.
“No one in the fitness industry is better placed to help us secure new sites,”
said Hewlett.
“David understands how to build partnerships, de-risk opportunities for stakeholders, and create sustainable, successful clubs. His experience will be instrumental as we expand our On Campus model and establish partnerships with universities, local authorities, and commercial developers.”
Mark Hewlett: “David Brings Gravitas and a Proven Track Record”
Welcoming Stalker to the team, Hewlett highlighted his extensive experience and leadership within the industry.
“David brings with him a huge amount of gravitas and a track record of growing companies to success. His ability to open doors at the highest levels, drive participation, and influence decision-makers will be invaluable as we scale our operations. More importantly, his passion for creating an accessible, community-first approach to sport aligns perfectly with our vision. We’re excited to have him on board as we shape the future of padel in the UK.”
With a clear roadmap for expansion and a strong leadership team in place, Soul Padel is continuing to grow its presence in the UK’s evolving padel landscape. Stalker’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, meaningful partnerships, and increasing participation in the sport.
https://soulpadel.co.uk/