Jason Manford, one of the UK's most popular comedians, proves that you can make people laugh... while taking padel very seriously. The British artist has just launched his own padel academy for children, with an astonishing objective: introduce a million young people to padel in ten years. Just that.

Who is Jason Manford?

Born in Salford, in the north of England, Jason Manford established himself in the 2000s as a key figure in the British comedy sceneStand-up, television, musicals: he does it all. He has hosted hit shows like The One Show on the BBC and performed in prestigious musicals (Sweeney Todd, The Producers...).

But for several years now, another passion has occupied his free time: padelHe discovered this sport in Spain… and became, in his own words, “a padel addict”.

An academy to democratize padel

Ambassador of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Jason Manford launched the JM Padel Academy, a structure dedicated to the initiation of children from all backgrounds, to this booming sport. In the United Kingdom, there are already more than 800 courses and 400 players.

The idea? To make padel accessible from a young age, in schools, clubs, and even at charity events. And why not spot some future champions along the way... or future comedians on the court!

And in France, who will follow the example?

As padel explodes in France, When will our national comedian throw himself into the cage to set up an academy? We can already imagine Artus explaining the rebound on the glass, Jarry coaching hyperactive U12s at Children's Bullpadel Show, or again Gad Elmaleh imitating a Spanish padel teacher to perfection.

Gad Elmaleh definitely loves padel!

Because after all, Padel is a team sport, joyful, unpredictable and sometimes very funny... just like a good sketch.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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