14 November 2025 – Paddle UK is proud to announce a new partnership with Podium Analytics, the sports injury charity, to strengthen support for athletes at every level – from grassroots to performance pathway.  

As part of this collaboration, Paddle UK will roll out SportSmart, Podium’s free injury and concussion management app, across its club network. This initiative marks Paddle UK’s commitment to prioritising the physical and mental wellbeing of its athletes, whilst managing injuries and promoting safer participation in all paddle sports. 

What is SportSmart?

SportSmart enables coaches to log, monitor and manage any injuries that happen in real time, creating a clear record of each athlete’s injury history. This injury data provides valuable insights into injury patterns that can inform safer sport provision, empowering coaches to prioritise wellbeing at all levels, across all disciplines. 

Richard Ramsdale, Head of Pathways, Competitions and Events for Paddle UK, said: "We are looking forward to working with Podium Analytics and SportSmart. This collaboration will enable us to better understand the individual and specific needs of our athletes across the discipline pathway and keep them on the water where they love to be! It's great to be able to partner with Podium Analytics and contribute to a wider body of research that has the potential to lead to safety improvements at youth level across all sports.”

Andy Hunt, CEO of Podium Analytics, added: “We are delighted that Paddle UK is the latest Sports Governing Body to embrace SportSmart across its club network. This collaboration will enable improved insight across the broad landscape of Paddle sports in the UK and support coaches in making informed decisions based on real-time data to improve participants’ wellbeing. Safer sport is a shared responsibility, and SportSmart has been created to help everyone play their part. We look forward to working with Paddle UK to champion more sport and less injury within the growing community of paddlers across the UK.”

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Media contacts

For more information please contact:

Anna Berry, Head of Marketing – media@podiumanalytics.org

About Podium Analytics

Podium Analytics a charity (registered in England, Wales and Scotland) with a vision to create a world with more sport and less injury. Founded by Sir Ron Dennis CBE, its mission is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of sports injury, with a focus on youth and grassroots sport. Podium’s team is made up of hand-picked specialists with proven expertise in business, academia, science, technology and sport, who share in a sense of responsibility for shaping a safer legacy for sport.

SportSmart is the injury and concussion management app from Podium Analytics, developed to support the on-the-ground needs of PE teachers and sports coaches. From tracking injuries and managing concussion to supporting a player’s safe return to play, SportSmart connects the right people with the right information, when and where they need it most. Grounded in real-world experience, SportSmart empowers coaches, teachers, parents and players to make informed, timely decisions that put player wellbeing first.

podiumanalytics.org

About Paddle UK

Paddle UK* is the national governing body for paddle sports in the UK. Its purpose is to “to encourage everyone to go paddling; for enjoyment, health, challenge and achievement.”

In March 2022, Paddle UK launched Stronger Together 2022–2026, its new strategic plan that will guide the work of the organisation over the next four years through the delivery of 10 key ambitions.

Stronger Together seeks to harness the skills, enthusiasm and commitment of individuals and organisations – including members, clubs and centres, regional development teams, discipline committees, national associations and stakeholders – to build a brighter future for the sport.

*Previously British Canoeing

paddleuk.org.uk