La French Tennis Federation, in charge of padel, is more and more present padel. In reality the FFT is omnipresent in the economic sectors of tennis, padel and beach tennis.

She seems to have the ambition to want to control everything. Is this really a good thing for our sport? Do not its ambitions collide with private interests? Where does the mission of the FFT end?

It is one thing to be omnipresent in its primary development missions for the sports it represents. But does this omnipresence also have to go through the market sector by intervening where we did not necessarily consider seeing it?

The regrouping of padel at FFT has certainly been the best thing for the development of padel in France. A solid structure, experienced, which allows to have a national and international influence and support for high level players.

But in comparison with other countries, does the FFT not do too much on certain points, with a risk of endangering whole sections of a part of the sports economy that it is supposed to represent? A part of the economy which nevertheless greatly contributes to the development of our sport and which was partly at the origin of the boom in our sport.

On the one hand, legislator, on the other hand judge and mediator… The FFT is omnipresent on all these elements.

Yet we see the FFT increasingly extending its power, its already very important hegemony. It is found on the front on the flower beds of the commercial sector. Its omnipresence is spreading ever more. Can she do it all? Even going so far as to worry private companies because of the FFT's desire to expand?

As usual on Padel Magazine, our goal is to ask the questions… do not hesitate to give us feedback on your opinions.

The clubs

This is the most important, isn't it? No clubs, no padel. If we take a look at our friends the Italians or the Swedes, private companies are managing them. Clubs flourish, agree on rental prices, offer quality facilities, impeccable customer service, events, in short, the best. In France, it started the same way a few years ago, but the installation of tracks in municipal tennis clubs created a competition which can be perceived as uneven by private clubs. Municipalities obviously offer much lower prices, but on the reception, atmosphere, one can think that the private ones are in front… and fortunately.

Are private clubs undermined by municipal clubs? To assert it, as certain players in the sports world might do, would certainly be excessive. But, here too, the numerous interventions of the FFT in the associative world inevitably lead to imbalances in the sports market. The creation of the Association of padel private is a response from the clubs who feel threatened by the “unbalanced policy” of the FFT, we are told.

Note, however, that each region has its own problems. “The interventionism or over-interventionism of the FFT in certain aspects can trigger a succession of bad news for certain players in the world of tennis and tennis. padel. We have the impression that the FFT wants to oppose in order to assert its leadership. ” However, we also see municipal clubs and private clubs that come together, collaborate and do a wonderful job.

Far from us wanting to affirm or confirm.

The subsidies

Grants for the construction of padel go to municipal clubs. What some private clubs perceive as an injustice. Then, you can only choose between a list of land builders “selected” by the FFT.

Tournaments

In France, only FFT-approved tournaments exist, apart from certain “club” tournaments for members. Elsewhere you can choose. Either you play official tournaments like the P2000, the P1000… or non-homologated tournaments, which do not bring you any points but which do not require a license.

Softwares

Another point where FFT hurts. There is private software for club management, reservations or partner search.

With Ten'up, a software that aims to be the benchmark software in tennis, the padel and beach tennis, the FFT undermines historic software in the world of tennis and padel. Is this omnipresence of FFT beneficial for all stakeholders? A priori, not really, especially as the FFT, has colossal power compared to its competitors.

In addition, it finds itself in an already highly competitive market where it is therefore a judge and a stakeholder.

Where does the omnipresence of the FFT end? Are we not expecting it in other areas?

To conclude

The French Tennis Federation is a power over which the padel must be supported because it allows to develop the sport quickly, to supervise in an ever more professional way. But by wanting to manage too much, don't we ultimately slow down a nascent economy?

A debate in which we would like you to take part.

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.