On the occasion of  Assizes of the Padel 2026 ,  Claude Baigts , president of European Association of Clubs Padel (AECP)  and founding president of the  French Federation of Padel (1992-2003) , looks back on nearly forty years of commitment to the service of  paddle From the creation of the French Association of Padel  In 1988, his career, which included organizing the first major international events in France, accompanied the structured development of the  French padel  and European. A testimony that sheds light on the  institutional foundations  of a sport that is currently experiencing rapid growth.

In 1987, in Malaga, a foundational emotion was born within me.
The deep conviction that the  paddle  it carried much more than just a game: a  culture ,  mind , a  community  in the making.

In 1988, the French Association of Padel (AFP) , the first stone of a structure destined to become permanently built.
In 1991, AFP faded into the background in favor of the  French Federation of Padel (FFP) marking a crucial step in the Organisation  and  recognition  of our discipline.

The following years were marked by significant achievements: the creation of the  FFP National Training Center the organization of  seventeen French Open Padel  – registered trademark – and, in 2000, the reception in France of  Fifth World Championship of Padel .

These moments remain etched in memory as defining milestones, the fruits of a  shared vision  and  collective commitment  constant.

In 2016, a new ambition took shape with the creation of the European Association of Clubs Padel (AECP) , next to  Pierre Lamouré ,  Franck Binisti  and other committed stakeholders. This initiative enabled the launch of  European Club Cups Padel which evolved in 2021 towards the  International Club Cup Padel (CICP) , annual competition which will celebrate its  tenth anniversary in 2026 .

The decision to publish this booklet on the occasion of the  Assizes of the Padel 2026  comes naturally.
This meeting brings together those who shape the  21st century padel  and carry its future.

The figure of the "  padel dinosaur  The word "chosen to illustrate these pages" is intended as a symbol: that of a  continuous presence  within the main  chambers  of our sport, traversing the ages with consistency and loyalty to  founding values .

If I had to summarize the principles of this commitment, I would say that the  paddle  embodies a true  life philosophy  : the taste of  challenge the strength of  collective , The  shared joy  and this part of boldness  which allows new avenues to be opened up.

In 2026, the AECP  is carried by two  co-presidents ,  general secretary ,  treasurer Two  vice presidents  and twenty-two  ambassadors  spread across four continents. The projects are numerous, the prospects ambitious, and the  determination  intact.

Our motto remains more relevant than ever:

«  The important thing is to participate in the best conditions, in the best spirit, with the constant desire to surpass oneself.  »

Team Padel Mag

The team Padel Magazine has been trying to offer you the best of padel since 2013, but also surveys and analyses to try to understand the world of padel. From the game to the politics of our sport, Padel Magazine is at your service.

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