Bournemouth University’s Padel team have gained an international player as Logan Macey joined this academic year.
Macey was born and lives in Dorset, regularly training at the Cross Court Padel in Poole.
He plays for GB’s men’s team, with his most recent game coming in September.
The 18-year-old went with GB to the Junior European Padel Championships in Budapest.
It was thrown into question if he would go when the LTA, Lawn Tennis Association, revealed they wouldn’t be sending a team due to a ‘not a wide enough talent base’.
A number of parents got together and covered the cost of it however, allowing the kids to play in the competition for GB.
Logan’s dad, Nick, set up the group-chat amongst the parents to convince them to cover it.
He said: “It was brilliant seeing my son there, and I’m so proud of him for getting that far.”
“I’m so happy that we (the parents) decided to put the money in and send them.”
Logan, alongside his playing partner Ben Welsford, lost to the Italian team in the second round after a bye in the first round.
Logan said: “It was great to see all the other countries play; there’s some unbelievable juniors.”
“It was really good to get some experience in that environment too.”
Logan also admitted there’s an extra level of pressure when playing for GB.
He said: “You’ve got to focus even more when you look down and see the Union Jack, but that’s the beauty of it.”
“I love the added pressure and I feel like I play better with more pressure”.
Aswell as the parents paying for the trip, manager of Cross court padel Mike Greer also decided to join in.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to have Logan play at Cross court, he’s a good person to have waving the banner.”
“I’ve seen Logan grow into the player that he is today so I wanted to help.”
After the success of the European Championships, the LTA decided to set up a performance pathway, allowing players such as Logan to continue to improve.
There is also a ranking bonus scheme for top players, with potential grant of £5,000 being available.
Men’s health statistics amid Movember