Members of the West Ham United squad discuss their main hobbies away from the football pitch, explaining what sparked their interest and advising how fellow Hammers can get involved. Today, defender Maximilian Kilman shares his love for Padel...
What is your main hobby or interest outside of football?
I’ve got a couple, such as spending time with family and watching my brother play football on the weekends. I also like to play Padel, so let’s go with that!
How did you get into it?
It’s a sport that became quite trendy last year, and everyone started playing it, so I jumped on the bandwagon and have played regularly since then.
What do you like about it?
I think it’s always a closely contested and exciting game, and for me, it’s quite an easy sport to play as you’ve got walls around you. It’s quite competitive.
There are a few of the boys in the team who play as well, so it’s quite competitive between everyone, and it is a bit of healthy competition.
Do you do it on your own or with others?
It’s a sport that you have to play with others, as it’s impossible to play a match yourself against a wall!
It’s 2v2, so you need four players.
Do you know anyone involved in it?
I don’t know anyone who plays Padel professionally, but I see a lot of professional games online, and I watch some clips on YouTube and Instagram, so I’m always watching and trying to learn.
It’s become a popular sport, and I think we’re going to see a lot more people playing it over time.
Have you ever been to any big events associated with it?
I’ve never attended a Padel event, but it’s something I want to do.
I think they’re all in the likes of Spain and Mexico, so there’s nothing local.
But it’s something I’ll definitely try and do one day.
How much time do you spend on it outside of football?
I like to play once a week, but during the season it can be quite difficult, so when we’ve got a couple of days off, I like to play as long as it doesn’t tire me out for training the next day.
How good are you at it?
I’m not great, but I’m quite competitive. My friend who I play with is my Padel partner, so I only play with him.
I’m just comparing myself to my friendship group, but if you’re comparing me to people who play more regularly, then I’m probably not that good.
How much would you recommend it to people who aren’t familiar with it?
I would one hundred per cent recommend Padel. It’s a really fun game, really competitive and really easy to play.
You just need to book a Padel court, and you’ll pick up the rules quite easily.
Can you share some tips about how someone could get involved in it?
My advice would be to find your local Padel arena and get a couple of your mates together and go and enjoy it.
