Interview with Gilles Verbraeken from Braekie Padel Solutions

Let’s talk today with Gilles Verbraeken from Braekie Padel Solutions. Gilles has a great career in the padel industry and is now a key actor in our great sport.

Are you a padel player or a padel coach ?
Publish your padel profile in the world padel community to be contacted by players from your area to play with you and get discounts on padel rackets !

 

Gilles, can you tell us a bit about yourself for those who may not know you yet?
Sure! I’m Gilles Verbraeken, founder of Braekie Padel Solutions, based in Belgium. I’m a passionate entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the Padel and sports tech space. I’ve worked in club management, CRM systems, and strategic consultancy, and also run an educational farm for children where nature meets play. I aim to empower Padel clubs and communities to grow sustainably on and off the court.

How did you first discover padel, and what hooked you?
Like many Belgians, I discovered padel during the early wave in 2016–2017. What hooked me was the inclusiveness: it’s a sport where a 12-year-old can enjoy a game with a 60-year-old, and everyone leaves smiling. That dynamic and the social energy around the court drew me in deeply.

Before getting involved in padel, what did your professional journey look like?
I started in marketing and business development, always drawn to building communities and customer experiences. That naturally evolved into roles where I combined tech, sales, and storytelling, eventually finding the perfect intersection of all three in Padel.

Which companies have you worked with in the padel industry?
I started with Playtomic as their Business Development Rep for the Benelux and later joined the international team. I’ve consulted for MATCHi and Matchable, and currently run Fit-Out Padel Club while supporting global projects through Braekie Padel Solutions. I’m also involved in Racquet Trend and the Padel Relations platform.

Have you helped build padel infrastructures outside of Belgium?
I’ve supported projects across Europe and the Middle East from Saudi Arabia and Spain to the UK and South Africa. My work often involves guiding investors, clubs, and federations from strategy to execution.

Which countries have played the most significant role in the sport’s growth?
Spain is still the spiritual heart of Padel, but Italy and Sweden have been game-changers in professionalizing and scaling quickly. Belgium has also grown impressively considering its size.

Why do you think countries like Spain, Italy, and Sweden grew so fast?
Spain has a culture and climate. Italy added a layer of style and ambition. Sweden brought structure, investment, and a whole ecosystem approach from clubs to media and player development.

Are there any emerging markets that interest you?
Absolutely. I’m loosely monitoring the UK, Germany, and Eastern Europe. The US has massive potential, but it will need tailored positioning. Also, New Zealand is a hidden gem with strong council support.

Have you noticed differences in how Padel is developed across regions?
Yes, some countries focus on commercial return, others have federations where they control the Padel landscape. Some invest in junior development, others in luxury facilities. Success often comes when all those forces work together rather than compete.

Do federations help or slow growth?
It depends. Strong leadership can help guide growth responsibly. But bureaucracy and political battles can sometimes block innovation. A good balance between private and public forces is key.

Do you think padel will become an Olympic sport?
Eventually, post-2032 is realistic if the international circuits and federations align.

How do you see Premier Padel evolving?
It has great potential but needs stability, player representation, and global presence. It could benefit from embracing local heroes and building roots in emerging countries.

Key challenges for sustainable growth?
Coach education, facility saturation in mature markets, and the balance between social play and high performance. We also need to think long-term and not just play today , but in 10 years.

What role do brands and media play today?
Massive. Brands help elevate the sport’s visibility, and platforms like yours give a voice to the community. Storytelling is what turns players into ambassadors and fans into lifelong advocates.

How important is digital?
It’s essential. Apps, content, and booking systems shape the experience. However, platforms like Padelist.net show that accessibility matters. Not everyone wants another app, but everyone wants a connection.

Could you give me some advice for someone wanting a career in padel?
Start by playing, coaching, or volunteering and build connections. Then look at how your skills (marketing, business, tech) can help the sport grow. There’s space for all types of profiles in this ecosystem.

Recommendations for a city/country that wants to grow padel?
Start small but visible—partner with schools and local media to make your first court a community hub. Focus on joy and accessibility, and the rest will follow.

Any dream project?
I’d love to create an international residency for young padel coaches, where they can live, learn, and grow together while giving back to the sport globally.

Is there anything else I can say to the Padelist.net community?
Keep connecting. Keep building. Whether you’re a coach, a club, a startup, or a player, we are stronger when we grow together. Thanks for giving padel a voice online, without barriers.

 

Are you a padel player or a padel coach ?
Publish your padel profile in the world padel community to be contacted by players from your area to play with you and get discounts on padel rackets !