Small French Tennis Club Turns to Pickleball to Revive Membership
VASLES,France (AP) — Facing dwindling membership,the Raquettes club du Pays ménigoutais,a small tennis club in Vasles,France,is hoping to revitalize its ranks by introducing pickleball. With only fourteen members, the club seeks to leverage the growing popularity of pickleball to attract new players and secure its future.
Pickleball: A Solution for Struggling Tennis Club?
The club, which lacks a dedicated instructor this season and has seen a decline in youth participation, currently operates with limited access to the local gymnasium. Recognizing the need for innovation, club leadership decided to embrace pickleball, a sport rapidly gaining traction in the Deux-Sèvres region. Notably, the École de tennis de Niort (ETN) hosted its first friendly pickleball tournament on March 15, 2025, signaling a growing trend, similar to the padel boom in the area.
Easy to learn, Fun to Play
Club president Nicolas Besson describes pickleball as a hybrid sport combining elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Played on a badminton court with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball, pickleball matches typically consist of games to eleven points. “For beginners, it’s easier to grasp and less intimidating than tennis in terms of technique,” Besson said. “In one minute, you can hit twenty balls. It seemed engaging to introduce to beginners”.
Early Success Provides Hope
The club’s initial pickleball session on April 7, 2025, proved promising, with six new participants joining the twelve attendees. This initial success offers a glimmer of hope for the club’s future as it navigates challenges and seeks to expand its reach within the community.
Pickleball Gains Traction in French Countryside, Offered by Raquettes Club
VASLES, france – The Raquettes club du Pays ménigoutais is introducing pickleball to its members, investing in equipment and offering introductory sessions. The club aims to familiarize locals with the sport, perhaps adding it to their regular program alongside tennis.
Raquettes Club Embraces New Sport
The Raquettes club du Pays ménigoutais has acquired pickleball equipment, including paddles, balls, and nets. The club can now set up to five courts together in the Vasles gymnasium.
initiation Sessions and Summer Festivities Planned
The club plans to hold introductory pickleball sessions every Monday evening. They are also considering hosting a pickleball-themed event this summer to further promote the sport within the community.
Enthusiasm and future Prospects
Club members spent time learning the rules of pickleball thru online videos. If the sport gains popularity,the club may offer regular pickleball sessions in September,in addition to existing tennis programs.
Understanding the Game
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball. The rules are relatively simple, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
VASLES, France – A tennis club in Vasles is finding new life and remembering a beloved leader through the burgeoning sport of pickleball. Following the tragic loss of club president Stéphanie Frédérico in a traffic accident earlier this year, the club has embraced pickleball as a way to attract new members and honor her memory.
Pickleball Initiative Launched to boost Membership
The initiative was spearheaded by club treasurer Sandra Sainvet, who introduced the idea after seeing a report on television. Recognizing the club’s need to boost membership, Sainvet proposed pickleball as a more accessible and less physically demanding alternative to tennis. ”It requires less technique than tennis, less strength, and it’s more fun; anyone can play,” she explained.
Enthusiastic Response and Growing Popularity
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Mickaël Sainvet, Sandra’s husband and a former tennis player, lauded pickleball as an excellent compromise. “I played tennis about 20 years ago but I stopped. Pickleball is a good compromise because it’s less physical, and you touch the ball a lot,” he said, adding he’s considering getting a licence next season.
A Tribute to Stéphanie Frédérico
The pickleball initiative also serves as a tribute to the late Stéphanie Frédérico, who died in early February 2025. According to Sandra Sainvet, many have participated in these introductory sessions in memory of Stéphanie. Describing Stéphanie as someone who spoke her mind and whose presence is greatly missed.
Pickleball Takes Root in Vasles, France: A Fast-Growing Sport Gains Popularity
VASLES, France – Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is rapidly gaining traction in Vasles. The sport is attracting a diverse group of enthusiasts seeking a fun, social, and low-impact athletic activity.
What is Pickleball? understanding the Rules and Appeal
Played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net,pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles.Its simple rules and accessibility make it easy for beginners to pick up, while still offering enough challenge for experienced players. Games can be played as doubles or singles.
A Budding Community: Joining the Pickleball Movement in vasles
For those in Vasles interested in learning more or joining the growing pickleball community, contact facts is available at 06.31.18.15.68.
Q: What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?
Pickleball in vasles: Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is pickleball?
A: Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball.
Q: Why is pickleball becoming popular in Vasles, France?
A: Pickleball is gaining traction because it’s easy to learn, fun to play, and less physically demanding than sports like tennis. It’s also a social activity, attracting a diverse group of enthusiasts.
Q: How is the Raquettes club du Pays ménigoutais using pickleball?
A: The club is introducing pickleball to revitalize its membership, which had dwindled to fourteen. They’ve invested in equipment, are offering introductory sessions, and plan summer events to promote the sport.
Q: How is pickleball helping the club remember Stéphanie Frédérico?
A: the pickleball initiative is also a tribute to the late Stéphanie Frédérico, a former club president. Introductory sessions have been held in her memory, highlighting her impact on the community.
Q: What are the benefits of pickleball compared to tennis?
A: Compared to tennis, pickleball requires less technique and strength, making it accessible to a wider range of ages and skill levels. It’s also considered more fun and less physically demanding.
Q: How can I get involved if I live in Vasles?
A: For those in Vasles interested in learning more or joining the growing pickleball community, contact facts is available at 06.31.18.15.68.
Trivia: The first recorded pickleball game was played in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, and was created by three dads looking for a game their kids could play!
Embrace the trend! Pickleball offers a fantastic way to stay active, socialize, and build a community, as seen in Vasles. Consider giving it a try!
