September 20, 2025 marks a new milestone in the history of padel in Asia: HOME SPORT FAMILY opened its doors to Si Bun Rueang, in the province of Nong Bua Lamphu, in the northeast of Thailand. Behind this project is a passionate Frenchman, Claude Brun, a former accountant, who decided to put all his energy into the development of his favorite sport, accompanied by his partner Aom.

A career marked by padel and entrepreneurship

The adventure of this enthusiast begins in 2017, when he discovered padel with a simple goal: to enter the French top 500. “My goal was modest: to enter the top 500 French players. I finally reached 440th place out of 3,500 players, which remains a great satisfaction for me,” he confides.

In 2018, he joined forces with two athletes and entrepreneurs to create the concept ULTRA FRANCE, combining padel, 5-a-side football and fitness. “This creation was a great success, but I preferred to sell my shares at the end of 2019 to devote myself to other projects,” he explains.

Still driven by the dream of owning his own club, he explored many avenues, particularly in Nice. But urban planning constraints and the cost of land made the project unfeasible. "I always kept this idea in mind, but I had to find the right place and the right time. After selling my accounting firm in 2021, my passion took over again," he says.

Why Northeast Thailand?

Padel is growing rapidly in Thailand, but primarily in the south of the country, a tourist area where around fifteen clubs already exist. These facilities rely primarily on a foreign clientele, with prices often unaffordable for local residents.

"Southern Thailand attracts a lot of tourists and that's where padel has taken root, but the prices are too high for the Thai population. My concept is different: I want to target locals first and foremost with prices that suit their purchasing power," he emphasizes.

HOME SPORT FAMILY: a family and accessible concept

As the first padel club in the northeast of the country, HOME SPORT FAMILY is not limited to courts. The complex aims to be a true living space for families and will include:

  • A club house with fitness room, yoga, dance and a bar area
  • Two indoor padel courts
  • A 7-a-side football pitch
  • Play areas for children, including table football and a mini golf putting game

"I want this club to be more than just a place for sports, but a living space for the whole family. Children, parents, athletes, everyone must find their place here," he insists.

Of course, foreigners and travelers will also be welcome. "Padel has the power to bring different cultures together. I hope HOME SPORT FAMILY will be a bridge between Thais and enthusiasts from elsewhere," he concludes.

With this opening, northeast Thailand finally joins the global padel map. A human and sporting adventure that is only just beginning.

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.