Facing  a padel market in the process of structuring itself Some players are seeking to offer alternatives to franchise and integrated network models. This is the case with...  grouping Padel References , launched by  Arnaud Loubic  with the ambition of helping independent clubs improve their performance while preserving their identity. More than twenty clubs have already joined the venture and others are expected to follow during 2026. Interview.

"Giving independent clubs the power of a network without taking away their freedom"

 What is the Group? Padel Reference and why was it created? 

 Arnaud Loubic:  The Group Padel Reference was born from a simple observation: today, an independent club can hardly fight alone against the structuring of the market.

For over seven years, we have lived padel on a daily basis through Padel Touch and PadelReference.com. We have seen the market evolve, become more professional and more demanding.

We identified a major opportunity: to give independent clubs the power of a network without ever taking away their freedom. This group represents a new way of thinking about performance. Today, it already includes more than twenty clubs, and several others will join us during 2026.

"The true value of a club is what makes it unique."

 Your vision seems to go against certain market trends. Why? 

Because padel is not a standardized product.

A club isn't just about the pitch. It's an atmosphere, an energy, a community. Today, many models seek to standardize the experience. We do the exact opposite.

We believe that the true value of a club lies in what makes it different: its DNA, its history, its culture. That is precisely what we want to preserve.

This vision is shared daily with Gregory Tachoires, the group's director, and Steven Galbrun, the sales manager. Together, we are structuring an offering capable of supporting clubs without ever compromising their identity.

Concrete solutions to improve club performance

 In concrete terms, what does the group offer its members? 

Our goal is to enable an independent club to reach the same level of performance as a structured network.

This includes negotiated terms with various partners in the sector such as HeadWilson, Tecnifibre, Padelshort, Padel Premium Maintenance, LePanse Academy, Just Padel Experience, AXA or even Augusto.

But beyond partnerships, we primarily offer concrete solutions for strategic positions within a club: shop management, insurance, training, accounting, track maintenance, and bar and catering services.

We work on issues that can have a direct impact on the profitability and development of a structure.

"The group adapts to the needs of each club."

 Is the scheme suitable for all types of clubs? 

Yes, and that's actually one of its main strengths.

We do not impose any single model. Each club comes to get the tools it needs, when it needs them.

The challenges faced by a newly established club differ from those of an already established organization with multiple centers. Similarly, the expectations of an investor are not the same as those of a passionate manager.

The group adapts to these realities. It provides support without imposing constraints.

Supporting the structuring of the market

 In an increasingly competitive environment, what role do you want to play? 

We want to be an accelerator.

The padel market will continue to become more structured in the coming years. That's inevitable. But this evolution must not come at the expense of independent clubs.

Our role is precisely to prevent leaders from having to choose between remaining independent or becoming high-performing. We are convinced that it is possible to do both.

"Supporting clubs without them losing their soul"

 What are your ambitions for the coming years? 

Build a reference network.

Not necessarily the biggest, but the most relevant. A network capable of delivering concrete, measurable and rapid results to the clubs that join it.

But above all, we want to remain true to the spirit of padel. Our ambition is to support clubs that are economically successful while preserving what makes them unique.

In summary, helping clubs grow without ever losing their soul.

https://www.padelreference.com/fr/groupement-padelreference

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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