Julien Datcharry, Founder of HDN Padel Club (WinWin Padel Nîmes), is one of the important players in the development of padel in France. On the occasion of the 13rd stage of the Cupra Padel Tour 2024 in Provence Padel, focus on this multifaceted entrepreneur, with ambitious projects, such as the opening of new clubs and the extension of his model to other regions

A new club in Marseille

Are we off to a new club?

A second club is born after that of Nîmes Padel Club. It is at St. Victoret, in the Marignane region, near Marseille airport. We opened on an existing structure with tennis, pickleball and paddle since September 1st. We are also building 8 padel courts indoor which will be ready in April-May this year.

After having successfully completed this project in Nîmes, what would you not do again?

Good question! I opened seven years ago with 8 courses, which was an ambitious gamble at the time. Fortunately, it worked out well. What would I do differently? Probably add a part indoor. At the time, the site of Nîmes did not allow it, but today I would choose a place that would offer this possibility.

So, rather than doing nothing, would you add something?

Exactly, I would not change the decisions made in Nîmes. The project has evolved in a linear and coherent way. If I were to launch another club, I would make sure to include indoor pitches, as I do at Marseille.

I am still convinced that to function well, a club must have at least 8 fields. This allows for tournaments, collaboration with companies and various activities. Fewer than 8 fields limits these possibilities. Also, a place of life is essential: a clubhouse, a shop, seminar rooms, even services such as Massages. This encourages players to stay longer.

Better structure tournament categories

In terms of padel regulations, what do you think should be improved?

I'm part of National Council of Padel (CNP) and we are currently working on adjustments related to the increase in the number of players, which exceeds the 80 classified. It is necessary to review the tournament points scales and to better structure the tournament categories (P25, P50, P750, etc.). This would allow each tournament to be adapted to the level of the players.

What other points do you think would be essential to put in place?

La training monitors is a key project. With the arrival of the TFP (Professional Qualification) 4 years ago we started training instructors, but it is still not enough. We need to improve their skills with additional training so that they do not stagnate after obtaining their diploma.

Julien datcharry pes cupra padel tour

Training in France is possible

We are increasingly talking about French-style academies. What is your vision?

It is entirely possible to train players in France, as we have done in other sports. Many clubs like palavas, Nîmes, or Big Padel Bordeaux have launched sports-study centres. Even if some young people will leave for Spain, we have the necessary structures to develop a French Academy padel.

What do you think of the Cupra? Padel Tour in Avignon today?

This is my first experience with the Cupra Padel Tour, and I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and organization of the event. The club Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne really took on another dimension with this event. There was a lot of entertainment, which really energized the day.

What advice would you give to an amateur player who is starting padel?

My advice would be simple: plays right and left. Many players specialize too quickly and miss out on opportunities. Explore both sides of the court and have fun, that's the most important thing.

Finally, a little anecdote about Julien Pes?

With Julien Pes, we played many tournaments together. The little anecdote that will perhaps make him grumble is that it was me who convinced him to play on the right. He played on the left!

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.