Between the launch of a European academy in partnership with My Center, the strengthening of its commitment to young talent, and the arrival of a completely redesigned range of rackets, HEAD Padel is embarking on a particularly ambitious second half of the season. At Bordeaux P2, Pierre-Étienne Morillon, padel manager of HEAD Padel France, details the brand's major projects and also gives its perspective on the latest news about the French national team. 

"We wanted to create a European academy outside of Spain."

 Padel Magazine :  HEAD has made numerous announcements in recent months with this partnership with My Center…

 Pierre-Étienne Morillon:  The idea was to create something that didn't yet exist: a true European academy based in France. Until now, the major academies were located in Spain. With Yannick Maurel and Ben Tison, we wanted to offer an alternative capable of welcoming the best young European players as well as amateur players wishing to come and improve their skills.

Starting in September, My Center will host an international training camp bringing together several European nations. Beyond the competition, the goal is also to showcase the quality of French training and to offer a place where all enthusiasts can come and participate in training programs.

"French education has its own identity."

For Pierre-Étienne Morillon, France offers a different approach from that developed in Spain.

“In Spain, there are a huge number of game situations and a lot of volume. In France, we have preserved a tennis heritage with a more advanced technical focus. It is this identity that we also want to promote through this academy.”

HEAD is accelerating its focus on young players, launching its European academy and preparing a new generation of rackets. Pierre Etienne Morillon

A deliberate strategy focused on young talent

For several seasons, HEAD has been gradually strengthening its team of young players.

After having supported several promising young players from the age of 12, the brand recently signed  Louise Bahurel , French number 4, for two seasons.

“We wanted to integrate a player who was already very successful but who still has a lot of room for improvement,” explains Pierre-Étienne Morillon.

HEAD also secured  Sacha Huard De La Marre considered one of the best players in the world of his generation (2011), while continuing his policy of scouting the 2013, 2014 and 2015 generations.

"Our goal remains to support the future best French players."

HEAD renews its commitment to the FIP Promises Paris by WME

This strategy focused on developing young talent also continues through competitions.

Following a first experience deemed very positive, HEAD has extended its partnership with the  FIP Promises Paris by WME  for three seasons.

"Today, I think it has become the biggest junior tournament in the world. It now enjoys genuine international recognition. So it was logical to continue this adventure."

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

A new generation of rackets expected in December

The end of the year will also mark an important turning point for HEAD.

The brand will unveil a new generation of its product lines.  Speed  et  Gravity , completely redesigned.

"This is not simply an evolution. The materials, the construction, the balance, the weights… everything has been rethought. It's a new era for HEAD." Padel »

The historical names are retained in order to preserve references that are already well established among tennis and padel players.

"We needed to make the range more easily understandable while retaining names that have become very strong for the brand."

"I don't understand Ben Tison's absence."

When asked about the composition of the latest training camp for the French team, Pierre-Étienne Morillon, who is also a coach, player and a great enthusiast of this sport, did not hide his surprise.

He joins many padel players who don't understand certain absences, including the absence of  Benjamin Tison  “Difficult to understand”.

"He's still one of the best French players. He demonstrated that again recently in Narbonne and against Bordeaux P2. His experience would be invaluable in a training camp. I hope this decision isn't related to off-field considerations."

The HEAD manager also questions the failure to convene  Julien Seurin , while welcoming the integration of several promising young players.

"It's important to prepare for the future, but the French team must also rely on its sporting level and experience when preparing for a major international event."

While acknowledging that the choices belong to the federal staff, Pierre-Étienne Morillon hopes that the results will validate this new direction for the French team.

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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