Old Vaaltonians padel court is a hit
SA’s first two padel courts were built in 2020. As of this year, players have a choice of more than 400 courts all over the country. Within the next three years, it is anticipated that South Africa will have 2 500 courts.
VANDERBIJLPARK – Old Vaaltonians boasts the newest padel court in the Vaal. The new court was officially opened on May 17.
“Old Vaal has always been dedicated to sports, particularly focusing on development and engaging the younger generations to nurture our future sports stars,” says club chairperson Dorette Daneel.
So, when longtime club member Darren Redfern and his business partner Ettiene Viviers from VR Padel approached the committee with the idea of building a padel court, it felt like a perfect fit.
Currently, there is only one court, but plans are already in place to add two more in the near future.
The court is open to both the public and club members, and there are exciting plans for coaching, youth development, leagues, and tournaments.
* Padel is described as a mixture of squash and tennis. The sport was founded in the late 1960s by a Mexican, Enrique Corcuera.
A padel racket is smaller than a tennis racket and not strung. Players can hit the ball after it bounces off a wall/fence to keep it in play.
Serving is underarm, and not overhead like in tennis. Four people mostly play padel in a game of doubles, but it can be played individually.
