Focus on Claude Baigts, the President of the European Association of Clubs padel Private (EACP). Nicknamed by some, the “dinosaur padel French“, He returns to the many themes that cross our sport, the padel.

He proposes the creation of a national agency of padel in the French Tennis Federation. An idea that is gaining ground and which Claude Baights echoes.

The French Open: a success

At the end of the 2016 edition of the French Open which was a success and which allowed us to meet with the leaders of the major brands of the Padel : Head, Dunlop, Kelme, Kaktus Padel, leaders of federations, coaches, players, we noticed that the clubs were not sufficiently promoted by the federations, in France as on the international level.

For example, in France, we still do not have interclubs but the project is under study, while we are supposed to be a nation of padel for a few years now. Italy and Spain have very strong interclubs.

This is why we wanted to launch a European Cup of clubs of padel private. And the least we can say is that the model is working. The clubs are asking. Players can thus enjoy a unique international event. The padel is developing on all continents and in 2018 we opened the door to African clubs.

In France, a good job, but ...

The administrative management of padel French is complicated. Everywhere I go, we realize that there are a lot of simple things that we could review and especially not do.

Let us take the recent example of the case of padel P2000 in France organized by the FFT. On paper, the FFT is doing a good job. She helps the clubs, the players are delighted, it helps to create a great French event. Since the presidency of Bernard Gudecceli, it has invested significant sums. However, a little against all expectations, it prohibits foreign players from participating in P2000 linked to its recovery plan.

We can admit: who was not surprised by these regulations? The FFT is part of the FIP (Fédération Internationale de Padel). Was there a consensus on this theme? Did the FFT do this alone?

Have we already seen, in another country such as Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Italy or even Sweden, foreigners who are not allowed to participate in a padel ? (apart from a competition to award a national title). Are tennis tournaments closed to foreign players?

Morally embarrassed

I am embarrassed morally, but also in terms of the interest of the competition.

Our best French players play and train in Spain and benefit from the best conditions offered by clubs affiliated to their federation, but also they can compete with the best foreign players.

Imagine the return of some Spanish organizers and players when they see this decision in France. What image do you give to our partners, sponsors and to Europe with this closure of our border?

I understand the desire of the FFT to make an investment in favor of French players. But then why not do it directly, via compensation for transport costs, or a prize monay for the French who go the furthest in the table?

Anything that is forbidden bothers me. Was this decision taken after consultation with all clubs, including host clubs? Clubs must have spinoffs. If they do not have foreign players, it is for the club a lack of communication, search for sponsors and interest for the members, in one sentence a shortfall for the club ...

Le padel, an individual sport

A champion is someone very individualistic. In general, anyway. And the padel is perhaps the most individual team sport there is.

Gaby Reca (5 times world champions and coach in Madrid)) is selectable for the France team. He is available. Has he received an invitation or a proposal from the France team to help the France team develop? Who could have prevented such a return to protect its function. Because Gaby has already been the coach of the French teams.

Collective interest does not exist for the moment.

If I am one of the best French players and I am told that foreigners are forbidden, maybe I would approve as a player because that would give me more chances to win the event. The short-term interest of our athletes is no guarantee of success for the future. And the padel is no exception.

The FFT could open!

This regulation of the FFT, if it were to take place, should have been done more generally through the intervention of the FIP. Better coordination with all the federations. Because in the end we close our borders. And even if the players have their say, it is also and above all up to the authorities to decide.

Moreover, this decision actually concerns very few foreign players. This decision of the FFT could be criticized by the FEPA and the FIP.

If we think in a more individual way, this decision can perhaps harm French players abroad.

Le padel, these next years

The national agency of Padel in France and a strong FIP.

I remain optimistic for the padel French, because being able to rely on a foundation as solid as the FFT is an asset and the latter is beginning to understand that we cannot apply to padel the same recipes as those of tennis. In my opinion, it would be necessary to create within the FFT an agency of padel independent and provide it with a budget over 8 years.

This structure would be administered by people with proven track records in all areas of padel and by qualified people from abroad when skills are lacking at the national level. The roadmap approved by the FFT, the national padel would be responsible and if the objectives are not achieved its members would be responsible.

But we are not there yet even if the private sectors, federations, competition organizers are getting closer.

I enjoy talking to high quality interlocutors such as the President of the FIP, Luigi Carraro or the gentleman Padel of the FFT Hubert Picquier or Philippe Sassier the guarantor of the moral values ​​of padel  and Cécilia Huet, President of the Monegasque Federation of Padel or Kevin Tournemire and Alain Henry the presidents of the Association of Private Clubs and with players and managers of the big companies that support our sport; everyone has a presentiment that the next 2 years will be crucial for the establishment of the global functioning of the Padel .

In a few days, we will have some great announcements to make that go in the common direction: one for all, all for one.

See the rest, HERE

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.