Christian Collange: “We need to better harmonize the calendar so that each competition retains its attractiveness”

President of the Commission Padel of the PACA League , Christian Collange takes stock of the latest P2000 organized in Cabriès. He also discusses the upcoming events. French Youth Championships , which will take place on the Provençal site, and on the challenges that await French padel.

A final successful P2000 despite the heatwave

For the second year in a row, WinWin Padel Cabriès hosted a P2000 , the last in the history of this category before the reform of the federal circuit.

For Christian Collange, the sporting results are largely positive.

"We saw a very good edition. It was the last P2000 in history, so Cabriès was happy to be able to host it. The overall level of French padel has risen again. We saw it on the courts with a lot of very close matches. This shows that the level is progressing."

The organization was also praised, even though the extreme heat complicated the weekend's proceedings.

"I think we have a lot of things to improve regarding the management of the heatwave. Last year, the tournament took place in May, this year in July, and indeed it was very hot. That's something we'll have to work on."

Cabriès, a stronghold of French padel

With WinWin Padel et Track Cabriès has become one of the key cities for padel in France.

"Today, Cabriès is somewhat the capital of padel. With two large complexes covering nearly five hectares and more than twenty-five courts, it's quite significant for a town of this size."

Now it's time for the French Youth Championships.

No sooner had the P2000 been finished than WinWin Padel is already looking ahead to its next big event: the French Youth Championships , organized from 15 at August 23 .

This edition introduces a new format with the competitions. U12 interleague , then the pairs championships in U14, U16 and U18 .

"We are now moving to nine days of competition. This new format will allow us to welcome even more young people. We are already preparing everything to receive the thirteen metropolitan leagues and the overseas leagues in the best possible conditions."

Even though the competition is leaving its historic site, it remains in the PACA region.

"It was important that she stay in the PACA region. WinWin also offers the possibility of playing on magnificent outdoor courts in the middle of summer, while having backup options with indoor courts if necessary."

"Young people are our priority"

If there is one subject on which Christian Collange, also a TFP trainer in PACA, insists throughout the interview, it is that of training.

For him, the future of French padel lies first and foremost with padel schools.

"Young people remain our priority. They are the foundation of everything. We have some very good young players today, but now we need numbers. The more players we have, the more top-level players we will have tomorrow."

According to him, recent international results confirm that France is on the right track.

"We saw it again at the European Youth Championships. The boys reached the final against Spain. The level is there. Now, we need to continue developing the sport throughout France."

The PACA region is multiplying its initiatives

The PACA League has been pursuing a very ambitious policy in favor of young people for several years.

Having been French Interleague champion on several occasions, the region continues to innovate.

“We are trying to be a laboratory for the development of padel among young people. We have created a PACA circuit, a Masters Final, team competitions and this year the label Padel Future. "

This label rewards clubs that genuinely invest in training.

“We want to highlight clubs that have a padel school, qualified instructors, and that organize youth tournaments and gatherings. There will be a label, but also financial assistance to purchase teaching materials.”

Another new development: the upcoming creation of a inter-school padel circuit .

"Our goal is simple: to create more participants. It is the masses that will create the champions of tomorrow."

Towards better tournament organization

Finally, Christian Collange believes that the rapid development of padel now requires a new reflection on the calendar.

"Today, there are a huge number of tournaments everywhere. We need to better harmonize the calendar so that each competition retains its appeal and remains a real celebration for the clubs."

For him, this evolution is ultimately a sign of a discipline in excellent health.

"It's a positive problem. Padel continues to grow, but its development now needs to be structured even further so that everyone benefits."

Through this assessment of P2000 from Cabriès And regarding the numerous projects mentioned, Christian Collange outlines a clear guiding principle: to continue the professionalization of major events while making the training of young people the main driver of growth in French padel.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !