The Rise of Pickleball in France: A Sport on the Move

Once a niche sport with just over 1,000 players, pickleball in France is now experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. With around 12,000 regular players, the sport is steadily gaining traction, thanks to the efforts of the FFT (French Tennis Federation) and passionate advocates.

The FFT's Commitment to Development

Gilles Moretton, the president of the FFT, is genuinely interested in this sport, which they aim to continue developing. Florian Lecerf, the FFT's pickleball officer, explains, "We have nearly 90 pickleball development advisors in France for this purpose." This commitment is crucial for fostering growth and ensuring that pickleball becomes a staple in the French sports landscape.

A Strategy Inspired by Padel

The FFT is implementing a strategy similar to that used for padel, focusing on development support, introductory workshops, and presentations in schools and businesses. Lecerf reveals, "The goal is to keep as many people as possible within the FFT ecosystem." Currently, the federation has recorded only 9,000 pickleball licenses out of a million multi-racket licenses, indicating significant room for growth.

Building a Community Through Clubs

One of the FFT's goals is to establish clubs that offer multiple sports, fostering community and providing a varied offering for tournaments. "Our sports complement each other," details Lecerf. This approach not only promotes pickleball but also strengthens the overall sports community in France.

Accessibility: The Key to Pickleball's Popularity

The strength of pickleball lies in its accessibility. Cyril Peltier, the top-ranked French pickleball player, states, "Pickleball is a lot of fun; it is technically much easier than tennis. The court is smaller, which is less physically demanding." This makes it an easy gateway into racquet sports for people of all ages and skill levels.

A Sport for Everyone

Caroline Dhenin, the number one female French player and former professional tennis player, believes that pickleball is poised for explosive growth. "I believe this is going to be a tsunami. You can have fun quickly, even with people at different skill levels," she estimates. This inclusivity is a significant factor in the sport's rising popularity.

The Current State of Pickleball Courts in France

France currently boasts around 200 pickleball courts, although the sport can also be played on tennis courts with the right equipment. This flexibility allows tennis enthusiasts to transition to pickleball without conflict. Lecerf reassures, "Tennis is not threatened by the advent of this new sport." The FFT is committed to making thoughtful changes, replacing tennis courts with pickleball ones only when necessary.

Private Clubs and Investment Opportunities

In addition to tennis clubs and associations supported by the FFT, pickleball is also practiced in private clubs. Investors are starting to seize the pickleball niche, as seen with entities like Pickleball Paris Ouest, Pickleball Arena, and Le Huddl in La Roche-sur-Yon. Pierre Kohler, founder and manager of the Huddl, shares, "In addition to football and padel, we have three pickleball courts, and their attendance is continually rising." This diverse demographic includes young players, employees, and older individuals, showcasing the sport's broad appeal.

Competitive Play is Just Beginning

Competitive pickleball in France is just starting to take shape. Since April 1, 2024, 90 sanctioned tournaments have been organized, with the FFT overseeing the largest domestic competitions. The Open de France, held in Marcq-en-Barœul (North), will gather the best French players from January 17 to 19, marking a significant milestone for the sport.

Pickleball's Grand Slam Season

During this Grand Slam season of tennis with the Australian Open, pickleball is also organizing its equivalent. The event will feature the best global players, including Caroline Dhenin and Cyril Peltier, at the Melbourne Park venue from January 24 to 26. Six teams of four players will compete for the top spot, with a grand prize of 100,000 Australian dollars up for grabs.

The Future of Pickleball in France

While the current landscape shows promise, Cyril Peltier notes, "For now, we cannot make a living off pickleball in France." In contrast, the United States has seen players turn professional, with increasing amounts of money being injected into the sport. The FFT's efforts to develop pickleball could change this dynamic in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Sport on the Rise

Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in France, thanks to the FFT's commitment to development and the sport's inherent accessibility. With a growing number of players, courts, and competitive opportunities, the future looks bright for pickleball in France. As more people discover the joy of this sport, we can expect to see even greater growth and community engagement.

Call to Action

Are you ready to join the pickleball revolution? Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner, there's a place for you in this exciting sport. Visit The Pickle Co to learn more about pickleball, find local clubs, and get involved in the community. See you on the court!