Foundations Laid as Warwickshire Women Compete in First-Ever County Padel Championships

Written by Sarah-Jane Perry

Warwickshire Ladies Padel Team

UK Padel County Championships

15th and 16th November 2025

Team

• Sarah-Jane Perry

• Jen McKenna

• Jess Bramley

• Charo Lacal

• Emma Hadfield

  
  

Results

Group Stage (Group 6):

• vs Essex – Lost

• vs Oxfordshire – Lost

• vs Avon – Lost

Finishing Position:

• 4th in Group 6

  
  

Report

Warwickshire entered the Women’s division of the County Padel Championships for the very first time with a team of five players: Sarah-Jane Perry, Jen McKenna, Jess Bramley, Charo Lacal and Emma Hadfield — all representing Kenilworth Tennis & Squash Club, with Charo also playing at Solihull Arden.

With no previous county padel experience, the team arrived in Bristol unsure of what to expect and were immediately tested against defending champions Essex. Alongside them in Group 6 were Avon and Oxfordshire.

Jess and Charo stepped in as the first-pair debutants and, despite battling nerves, were outmatched by a strong and experienced Essex duo. On the adjacent court, Jen and SJ produced a standout performance against Essex’s second pair — both ranked inside the UK top 40, including GB junior squad member Aimee Connolly. After leading 5–4, 30–0, the Warwickshire pair came agonisingly close to taking the opening set, eventually losing the tiebreak before pushing hard again in a competitive 6–4 second set. For two players with international squash caps but no prior LTA padel events, it was an impressive introduction to county-level competition.

Sunday’s match against Oxfordshire offered, on paper, the best chance of a win. Jess partnered Emma against a relentless Oxon top pair who delivered fast, clinical padel throughout. Jen and SJ once again found themselves in a tight contest, recovering from a slow start to reach 4–4 in the first set, but two key games slipped away for a 6–4 loss. The second set was another battle, ultimately ending in a narrow tiebreak defeat.

The final group match against Avon was played with freedom, with no advancement at stake. SJ teamed up with Jess, while Jen partnered Emma. Jen and Emma adjusted well after a quick first-set loss, but Avon’s depth told as they closed out the match 2–0.

Jess and SJ delivered Warwickshire’s strongest performance of the weekend. After falling behind 4–1, they surged through five straight games to take the first set 6–4. Avon responded to take the second set 6–4, sending the match to a championship tiebreak. In a tense finish, the experienced Italian/Avon pair edged it 10–8.

Although Warwickshire finished without a victory, the weekend delivered invaluable experience. Every player was making their county padel debut, and the team grew in confidence and cohesion with each match. The spirit, adaptability and determination shown across all three fixtures provide an exciting foundation.

Warwickshire now look forward to returning stronger in 2026 — with greater experience, clearer expectations, and the belief that better results are firmly within reach.