Through his experience as a coach and founder of the  Big Padel Jet Academy  and co-founder of  FIP Promises Paris by WME ,  Jean-Thomas Peyrou  makes a clear-eyed observation:  France is no longer far from the very highest level in certain categories , but the work must be sustained over time.

The former member of the French national team and sporting director of Bordeaux P2 is observing a  clear progress in French padel among young people  and closer ties with the best nations. Interview.

A French generation already in contact with the world's best

"I was able to see it up close at the FIP Promises 2025 where we really had the world elite, especially in the under 12, under 14, and under 16 categories. I was very surprised by the overall level."

The observation is striking. When comparing young French players to the best in the world, the gap appears less significant than expected.

"The level compared to the best in the world in these categories, especially among the men, is still quite close."

Some profiles are already standing out.

“Sacha Huard-Delamare and Nathan Perrault… for me, they are not far from the world's top level. I would even say they are in the top 3 in the world in their category.”

A positive sign for the future of  French padel , even though density remains a major issue.

"The Spanish have plenty of players with that profile. We only have a few. So we have to keep working."

A game-changing structuring of the academies

The emergence of these young talents relies on the development of  padel academies in France .

"We really have academies that are structuring themselves, with some very interesting profiles emerging."

In Bordeaux,  Jean-Thomas Peyrou  develops an approach centered on individualization.

"I try to ensure they can express themselves in the best way possible. My method is different; I really try to individualize it."

But beyond the game, it is a global vision that is being put in place.

"I believe we need to shape them, give them a good professional education, in nutrition, physical preparation... so that they become athletes."

The FIP Promises Paris by WME Sports returns in July 2026 for an even more ambitious edition.

A comprehensive education, starting from a very young age

The work begins very early, with daily support for some young players.

"I have little Rose Estrade, whom I really support on a daily basis. I also have Louise and Margot, who are 10 years old and train at the academy."

Immersive internships also help to structure young people.

"We organize next-gen training courses; right now, during the Easter holidays, I have 12 participants, under 18 years old, who are experiencing a complete immersion."

The objective is clear: to build for the long term.

"I don't think we should put players in boxes, but rather have a long-term vision."

Individual progress at the heart of the project

Each trajectory is different, as the example of  Lucas Pillon .

"He's a lad who's been a bit behind. He was physically behind, which he's now catching up on. So naturally, he's playing better today."

A deliberate, gradual development.

"Each player progresses at their own pace. We need to give it time."

The academy's project also relies on structured supervision.

"They have a mental coach, nutrition, physical preparation... we try to professionalize as much as possible."

An educational project structured around sports studies

The development of young people also depends on a balanced school life.

"We offer several pathways: Acadomia, the CNED, and colleges and high schools with flexible schedules."

With further developments to come.

"Starting in September, we will also have a housing solution, in collaboration with a high-level tennis academy."

This environment allows some young people to reveal their potential.

"I have some who were struggling at school and who are now living their best lives. The parents are happy, and so are the children."

FIP Promises Paris by WME: a tournament that attracts the world's elite

The Parisian event has established itself as an unmissable event.

"Last year was huge: 340 registered participants, 13 nationalities, and above all, a very high level of competition."

The key, according to Peyrou, remains the quality of the board.

"If we're going to organize an international tournament, we need to have the world's best. Otherwise, it's pointless."

And Paris ticks all the boxes.

"In the under-12, under-14, and under-16 age groups, we had the best players in the world; the top three in the world were there."

A project dedicated to the development of padel

The tournament is not aimed at individual gain.

"This is not at all an event to expand my academy. Quite the opposite."

The philosophy is clear.

"This is for the development of padel among young people. This is the generation that will matter in the years to come."

With strong support.

"The FIP is supporting us, the Federation too, the CNE players will be present, as will all the academies."

A clear ambition: to become a global benchmark

The project will continue to grow.

"We have signed partnerships with foreign academies and federations to bring in the best players."

The objective is clearly stated.

"We want this event to become a regular part of the landscape and for young people to tick this box."

And even further.

"Can FIP Promises become the Petit As of padel? That's our ambition."

France national team: players to watch without pressure

Some players have already been identified for the future.

"I have a few profiles that could aspire to join the French youth team, and even the senior team in a few years."

But caution is still advised.

"I don't want to name them so as not to put pressure on them. At that age, they need to be allowed to express themselves."

A measured approach.

"They give their all, and we try to offer them the most professional environment possible."

A long-term vision to compete with the best nations

The development of padel in France is a long-term process.

"Perhaps in 10 or 15 years, we will have a generation capable of competing with the best."

The message is clear: the foundation is there, but everything else remains to be built.

"We have a generation that is emerging. Now, we must continue the work."

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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