Meet Josh, the new Club Manager at Lowther Gardens

Atmos Padel Lowther Gardens in Lytham has a new Club Manager, and plenty of you will already know him from the courts. Josh Holden has been playing at the club for just over three years, first with friends and then through an Intro to Padel session. Now he's running the place.

Before joining Atmos Padel, Josh ran his own business cleaning and repairing white goods appliances. He takes over from Sira, who is moving into a Head Office role.

We asked Josh about his padel story, his plans for the club and who he'd pick as a doubles partner. His answers are below, in his own words.

Getting to know Josh

How did you first get into padel, and when did you first play at Lowther Gardens?

Just over 3 years ago playing at Lowther with friends and then soon after signed onto a Intro to padel session also at Lowther.

You've played here a lot. What's kept you coming back?

The community, the courts, the brilliant setting, the game itself, a number of reasons keep me coming back.

What did you do before this role, and what are you bringing with you from it?

i had my own business cleaning/small repairs to white good appliances which is quite different however i do feel there is quite a number of transferable skills, meeting new and a variety of people, keeping good relationships with regulars,being friendly and welcoming to new people, arranging appointments, managing stock, keeping the workplace tidy, advertising, etc

Best shot in your bag, and the one you're still working on?

I like to be at the net volleying,get a good lob in and get right up there. The overhead smash is ok but can definitely be improved with some technical adjustments.

Taking on the role

What made you want to manage the club rather than just play at it?

I love padel and the social side of the club so the opportunity to manage here is amazing. I liked the idea of combining my experience in running a business with something I'm genuinely passionate about such as padel and hope to continue to make the place a great place and experience for everyone who comes to the club.

How does it feel going from regular to running the place?

Amazing, probably not sunk in yet. I'm enjoying seeing the club from a different perspective and being around padel even more.

What do you know about this club as a player that someone coming in from outside wouldn't?

I understand what makes the club special from a players point of view, the atmosphere, the community and the social side of this club.

What's the one thing you want every player to feel when they walk through the door?

I want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable here and enjoyment, whether they're a regular or playing for the first time. I would like them to go away wanting to come back again

What are you most excited to get started on in your first few months?

I'm looking forward to continuing to meet the community here through the socials and other matches. I'm looking forward to first big tournament event at Halloween, hoping that goes really well.

Sira and the handover

Sira has built a lot at Lytham. What's the thing she's done that you most want to keep going?

The community she has built here is great, there's some really good people within the club and she will be missed for sure. I hope I can continue with that existing community and build on it.

The community

Who is Lowther Gardens for? Beginners, regulars, competitive players, all of the above?

All of the above as want to be exclusive to all levels of players for sure, but there is mostly beginners and regulars within the club I would say.

What would you say to someone in Lytham who's never picked up a racket?

Give it a go, I did and absolutely love it. Always now looking forward to my next time on court when coming off it.

Favourite thing about playing padel in Lowther Gardens specifically?

The beautiful scenery, its a great park anyway so to have brillaint padel courts with a fantastic community within its my favourite place to play.

Quick fire

Morning or evening session?

Both, lets go for morning, start the day on a high.

Post-match drink of choice?

I'd be very happy with a Lucozade or a strawberry milkshake

Doubles partner, dead or alive, pro or not?

Rafa Nadal. I like to play on the left if possible so having him on the right with that big forehand for anything down the middle would be quite useful.

Come and say hello

Whether you've played at Lowther Gardens for years or never picked up a racket, Josh wants to see you on court. His first big event is the Halloween tournament, so keep an eye on the club's socials for details.

Book your next game at atmospadel.com.