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Harrogate amputee nominated for padel player of the year award

Monday, 2 February 2026 12:08

Andrew Simister.

A Harrogate-born padel player has been named 'Adaptive Padel Player of the Year' following a rapid rise in the sport after a life-changing accident.

Andrew Simister, who was born and raised in Harrogate and now lives in Tockwith, lost his right leg above the knee after an accident in February 2022 that resulted in severe injuries.

In 2023, Andrew took up padel tennis and joined Harrogate Spa Tennis and Padel Club, where weekly inclusive sessions are held to encourage participation from players of all abilities.

Through those sessions, he began competing in the Inclusive Padel Tournament (IPT) - a circuit designed to pair one player with a disability alongside one non-disabled player.

The IPT is the first tournament format of its kind in padel and has taken Andrew to competitions around the world, including events in Dubai and Miami. He also played a key role in bringing the tournament to the UK for the first time last year, with 32 teams from across the globe taking part.

Andrew's achievements have been recognised at the British Padel Awards, a national event celebrating excellence in the sport and its contribution to community development and innovation.

He has been nominated in the Adaptive Padel Player category, with public voting currently open.

Votes can be cast via the British Padel Awards website at https://britishpadelawards.co.uk/vote/.

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