
Dan McDonald
General manager
Dan oversees all aspects of Heart of Padel and has been a big part of the journey from the very start. From concept to creation, he’s played a key role in bringing the club to life.
After discovering the sport a few years ago, he was instantly hooked. Still improving his own game, Dan is passionate about creating a club where others can fall in love with the sport just as he did, a club built on energy, community and playing with heart.

Lydia Czernenko
assistant Manager
Lydia will play a key role at Heart of Padel, helping to create a place where people can come together, enjoy the sport, and feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. She’ll be focused on the overall customer experience, from day-to-day interactions to organising events & tournaments that bring the community together!
With a background in hospitality and sales, Lydia brings a people-first approach and a strong sense of organisation to make sure everything runs smoothly. Having always been a big fan of sports and the gym, she’s excited to be part of Heart of Padel, the community we are building, and is already hoping to work her way up to becoming a padel pro.

Rick Whalley
Head coach
With over 25 years of coaching experience, our Head Coach has worked with players of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to performance-level competitors. After six years of playing padel, he has now brought his passion and expertise into coaching the sport, combining his extensive racket sports background with a Padel MBA qualification.
Known for his fun and encouraging style, he focuses on building strong foundations, improving tactical awareness, and creating a positive environment where players can grow in skill and confidence. Whether supporting someone new to padel or helping experienced players sharpen their game, his goal is always the same - to help every player improve, enjoy the sport, and reach their full potential on court.
At Heart of Padel, we’re building more than just a club, we’re creating a community around one of the Uks fastest growing sports. With world class facilities, welcoming coaching and an inclusive atmosphere, we’re bringing people together to play, improve and belong. Because here, we don’t just play, we play with heart.







