PADEL AID
UK’s first Pro-Am Charity Padel Event serves up star power for UNICEF
OVERVIEW
In May 2024, Padel Aid launched at The Padel Hub near London, uniting top UK padel players with global sports and media stars for a groundbreaking Pro-Am tournament supporting UNICEF.
Founded by British padel pros Frankie Langan and Nikhil Mohindra, with Jonathan Rowland and Sarah Horrocks, the event blended elite sport with a powerful charitable mission.
Big names like John Terry, Andriy Shevchenko, Sarah Stirk, Jason Leonard, Andy Priaulx MBE, Harvey Armstrong, and Sharky from Beta Squad brought major media buzz and star power.
OBJECTIVES
Padel Aid aimed to launch the UK’s first Pro-Am padel fundraiser, generate media coverage, drive online auction donations, and establish itself as the sport’s flagship charity event.
Henman Sport + Entertainment advised across PR, press, social media and influencer strategy to secure media attention, engage with celebrities, and inspire fan and donor support.
STRATEGY & EXECUTION
Secured national and online press, including a double-page feature in The Mirror.
Developed stories linking UNICEF’s mission with player involvement.
Produced digital content and managed social media buzz.
Activated sports stars and celebrities to amplify reach and drive auction interest.
Provided strategic guidance on the UNICEF partnership and media collaborations.
RESULTS & IMPACT
National coverage in the Daily Mirror and major online platforms.
Strong social media engagement from influencers and celebrities.
Successful auction with high-value bids for UNICEF.
Padel Aid established as the UK’s first charity Pro-Am in a booming sport.
Strengthened UNICEF support through a new, sport-driven channel.
Celebrity ambassadors boosted brand awareness and media presence.
Padel Aid showed that padel’s rise in the UK is about more than sport—it’s about community, celebrity, and powerful causes coming together..
''In setting up Padel Aid, we hope to raise the profile of padel in the UK and around the world, and in the process raise funds for an incredibly worthy cause, UNICEF. We want to encourage as many people as possible to try padel, especially the younger generations as it can have a huge positive impact on their physical and mental well-being.'
Frankie Langan
PADEL AID CO-FOUNDER