The Big network Padel continues its development and is preparing to set up shop in the Dordogne. A brand new center will open in early March. Big Padel Bergerac-Creysse will open its doors, under the direction of Hervé Chadourne, the project leader and future manager of the club, in close collaboration with the Big team Padel Maroon.

A long-gestating project, born from a passion for padel and a clear desire: to offer Bergerac a modern, friendly club open to all audiences.

A project born from passion and a long period of development

The project originated from a background far removed from the playing field. Hervé Chadourne was working in finance when the Covid period gave him the time to fully develop a long-held entrepreneurial dream. Discovering padel in Spain was a turning point. He immediately recognized the sport's potential: fun, intergenerational, accessible, and capable of bringing together both seasoned players and families.

Back in France, he commissioned market research, spending time in a club to observe its daily operations, the expectations of its players, and the unique atmosphere of padel. This immersion reinforced his idea: to create a place centered on the player experience and the club spirit.

Quickly, Big Padel It was an obvious choice. The Bordeaux-based brand, renowned for the quality of its facilities and its premium yet accessible positioning, perfectly matched the project's vision. Originally from Bergerac, Hervé naturally focused the market research on this region, where the development potential was evident.

Then began a long process of structuring, finding partners and securing financing. Nearly three years later, the project finally came to fruition.

The first Big franchise Padelaccompanied by closely

For Big Padel In Bordeaux, this opening is significant. It's the very first franchise in the network. From the initial discussions, Antoine and Louis Couvercelle (brothers and co-founders of Big) Padel ) validate the vision and are heavily involved in the development of the club: design, works, structuring of the model, sporting credibility and strategic support.

The group is going even further by partnering with the project and participating in the search for an investor for the building's construction. The goal is to offer a club that lives up to the Big image. Padelboth in terms of the quality of the infrastructure and the experience offered to the players.

An experienced team to kickstart the momentum

From the moment it opened, Big Padel Bergerac-Creysse will be able to rely on a solid team. Pauline Grand, a well-known figure in Big Padel Mérignac will join the club as deputy director and will participate in management and business development. Her experience and in-depth knowledge of Big Four operations will be invaluable. Padel constitute a real asset.

The sporting side will be entrusted to Simon Wagner, ranked 26th in France, who will take over as head of the academy. His profile, both high-performing and approachable, will allow him to support players of all skill levels.

A powerful symbol in Bordeaux colors, the central court of the future club will be the central court of Betclic Bordeaux P2 2025offering the players of Bergerac the opportunity to play on a track used by the best players in the world such as Coello and Tapia.

A major challenge: to feminize padel

The club's positioning is intentionally broad. Big Padel Bergerac-Creysse will not just be a training center, but a true hub for sports life. Open practice, individual and group lessons, training camps, events, competitions, and social gatherings will all be integral parts of the project.

Particular attention is paid to the quality of the welcome and the services offered, in order to extend the experience beyond the court. The club also aims to play a role in the evolution of the sport, notably by contributing to the feminization of padel, which is still largely dominated by a male audience in France. The layout of the venue, the desired atmosphere, and the sporting program have all been designed with this philosophy of openness and accessibility in mind.

Opening early March

Construction is progressing according to schedule. The building is in its final stages, and the quality of the facilities is touted as one of the future center's key strengths. Barring any unforeseen delays, the opening is planned for around March 2nd.

This development is part of a long-term vision.

With Bergerac-Creysse, Big Padel This lays an important first stone in its franchise strategy. Other projects are already in preparation, notably in Brest with an opening planned for the end of 2026, as well as a new large center in Mérignac, equipped with ten lanes, scheduled for early 2027.

Eléah Couvercelle

Racket sports have always been a part of my life, and padel was the obvious choice. Discovered in Marbella as a child, it has since become an integral part of my sporting and family life.

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