Matchpoint Marketing, a new specialist marketing and operational support business dedicated exclusively to padel and racquet sports, has announced its official launch, ahead of full market rollout in 2026.
Founded by marketing and search industry veteran Paul Rudman and padel marketing specialist Polly Thatcher, Matchpoint Marketing has been created to meet a growing need within one of the UK’s fastest-expanding sports with expert, hands-on marketing that truly understands how padel clubs operate, grow and build communities.
With padel participation and club development accelerating rapidly across the UK, Matchpoint Marketing aims to support clubs, operators and racquet sports businesses at every stage of their journey from pre-launch strategy and site openings through to long-term player engagement and retention.
Built by marketers who understand the business of sport
Co-founder Paul Rudman brings over 25 years of experience delivering online marketing and search services for global brands including McLaren, HSBC, Marie Claire, The Wall Street Journal and UK Government departments.
Having worked at the forefront of SEO, digital strategy and now AI-driven search, Paul has continually evolved his services to meet how audiences discover and engage with brands today.
Alongside his professional expertise, Paul is a lifelong racquet sports enthusiast with coaching qualifications in tennis, squash and padel – making Matchpoint Marketing a natural intersection of professional experience and personal passion.
A new standard for padel-focused marketing
Co-founder Polly Thatcher brings more than 20 years’ experience across strategic marketing, brand development, events and operational management, combined with two years working directly inside the UK padel industry.
Over that time, Polly has become one of the UK’s most experienced padel marketing specialists, working with leading operators including Padel People, Padel4all and The Padel Hub.
Her work has supported new site launches, early-bird membership campaigns, digital growth, community-building initiatives and fully integrated marketing strategies aligned with on-the-ground club operations.
This blend of senior-level marketing expertise and real hands-on operational experience is what sets Matchpoint Marketing apart.
“Padel is growing at extraordinary speed, but many clubs are still relying on generic marketing approaches that don’t reflect how the sport actually works,” says Polly Thatcher. “Matchpoint Marketing exists to bridge that gap supporting clubs with strategies that are practical, player-focused and built around the realities of running a padel business.”
A collaborative approach to growing the sport
Matchpoint Marketing’s mission is clear: to help padel operators launch, grow and thrive, whilst strengthening the communities that make clubs successful.
Rather than positioning itself as a traditional agency, the business aims to work collaboratively with:
- new and existing padel clubs
- multi-site operators
- tennis and sports clubs expanding into padel
- coaches, consultants and suppliers across the padel ecosystem
As part of its 2026 launch plans, Matchpoint Marketing is actively looking to build relationships with clubs and businesses across the padel landscape, sharing knowledge, supporting sustainable growth and contributing positively to the wider industry.
Marketing that understands padel not just promotion
By focusing exclusively on padel and racquet sports, Matchpoint Marketing delivers marketing strategies rooted in:
- how players discover and engage with clubs
- how communities form and grow
- what drives early demand at launch
- what keeps players returning week after week
- how operational decisions impact marketing success
From brand strategy and content creation to social media growth, local activation, search visibility and community engagement, Matchpoint Marketing provides realistic, implementable solutions designed for the unique dynamics of padel clubs.
Looking ahead to 2026
As Matchpoint Marketing moves towards its official launch in 2026, the founders are focused on building long-term partnerships, refining best practice within padel marketing, and helping clubs create environments where players feel connected, valued and excited to return.
“We don’t just market padel,” adds Rudman. “We understand it, we play it, and we’re committed to helping build the communities that allow the sport to thrive.”
Get in touch with us for a no obligation chat you can email us on polly@matchpointmarketing.co.uk and paul@matchpointmarketing.co.uk or drop us a line via our website www.matchpointmarketing.co.uk