Halfway between tennis and squash, padel is recording spectacular progress, here as elsewhere. This is to the delight of the Charente-Maritime departmental tennis committee, which held its general meeting on November 7 in Saintes. Update with its president, Patrick Vallina.
How is the departmental tennis committee doing?
Alright. We are at 11,000 licensees, an increase of 8.75%, out of 101 clubs. Four are exclusively dedicated to padel and two to pickle ball, a new sport which arrives from the United States and which was taken over by the French tennis federation, like padel two years ago. Thanks to this, the practice explodes.
How are you managing the growth of padel? Is this annoying competition?
It's not annoying at all, it brings a dynamic to the clubs. We are not decreasing on tennis. The increase is mainly due to the practice of padel, which increases by 15%. We are on a friendly practice, with formats shorter than tennis matches. This is a very interesting addition of activity for clubs.
The departmental tennis committee held its general meeting on November 7 in Saintes.
Philippe Ménard / SO
Where is the departmental training center project?
We're still looking for a place. Our wish is to join forces with an existing club, by bringing one or two additional fields, which could benefit the club, and by using its infrastructure. Today, our educators tour the clubs to give private lessons to the best tennis and padel players. The idea is to be able to group them together in one place.
A year ago, you announced that Saintes was in pole position to host this center. Has the file progressed?
The town of Saintes is the one that corresponds best. It occupies a crossroads position at the departmental level. Two indoor padel courts will be inaugurated in December. Our difficulty today is a story of trees with branches to be cut at the level of future installations.
What would these facilities consist of?
The committee would provide financial assistance for the construction of two covered lots. Above the metal structure, there will be photovoltaic panels, which will contribute to financing the operation.
How are your finances doing?
We are lucky to belong to a rich federation, thanks to Roland-Garros, which pays aid to the clubs. This makes it possible to have these kinds of projects.
“Today, our educators tour the clubs to give private lessons to the best tennis and padel players. The idea is to be able to bring them together in one place”
Philippe Ménard / SO
Patrick Vallina is confident in the clubs' ability to adapt.
Is the practice of tennis evolving?
What changes is the behavior of families. Parents drop off their children and leave immediately. They don't have time anymore. Separated families and Covid have changed habits. Clubs are forced to adapt. Some pick up children after school, they form partnerships with establishments. Fifteen years ago, families had to be available to clubs, now we have to adapt to their way of life. Fortunately, we have the support of volunteers who are essential to take care of all this.
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