Le National Training Center (CNE) for padel officially opened its doors to Vichy, marking a major step in the structuring of high-level sport in France. The result of a collaboration between the French Tennis Federation (FFT) et Vichy Community, this ambitious project stands out as a real center of performance and excellence for French padel.

An ideal setting in the heart of France

Established in Sporting Tennis Padel of Vichy Community, the CNE benefits from a strategic location, central to the territory, and an exceptional environment. On the banks of the Allier, close to the CREPS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it is part of a vast sports complex including golf course, aquatic stadium, racecourse and multi-sports park. This setting offers young residents optimal training and living conditions.

State-of-the-art infrastructure

The center includes 12 padel courts (6 indoor and 6 outdoor), a health-performance center, a Work out room, recovery space, and a integrated accommodation and catering thanks to the CREPS infrastructure. A place designed to accommodate both young hopefuls, French teams and coaching courses.

A high-level technical team

At the head of the CNE, the FFT brought together a experienced technical team :

  • Thibault Martin, head of the center, ensures general coordination.
  • Alexia Dechaume, former world number 46 in tennis and high-level manager at the FFT, oversees the strategy.
  • Juan Alday, historic coach of Fernando Belasteguín, Marta Marrero and Alix Collombon, oversees the coaching and programming part.
  • Jeremy Garcia, 24th French player, and Baptiste Bénétoux, coach of Léa Godallier, complete the staff as national coaches.

The Class of 2025: 12 Young Talents to Watch

La inaugural class of 2025 meets 12 young talents aged 13 to 16 year-olds, from all over France:

These young people, supported in a dual project sports and school, represent the next generation of French padel and will benefit from comprehensive support to aim for the highest international level.

French padel is booming

The inauguration of the CNE is part of a period of historical growth for padel in France. In 2025, the country will have more than 500 practitioners, 3 tracks distributed in 1,027 FFT affiliated clubs, and more 105 licensees, an increase of 50% in one year.

Thanks to initiatives such as the device Boost Padel (target: 500 new tracks) and the success of the Paris Major At Roland-Garros, the FFT continues its ambition: to permanently establish France among the great nations of world padel.

Le Vichy National Center for National Education thus becomes the symbol of this dynamic, a place where the training, performance and excellence come together to build the future of French padel.

NB: Paul Gueguen comes from Tennis Padel Saint Cyrien (Saint Cyr sur mer) and not Saint Cyprien.

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 !

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