DUBAI Padel tennis’ growth in the UAE has seen rapid progress recently, but the Real Racquet Academy’s novel efforts to take it to schools will take the sport to an altogether different level.
It’s a known fact that to popularise any sport, its base needs to be strengthened and so it’s important to involve youngsters and this effort is surely going to pay rich dividends, especially with the programme being offered completely free of cost.
“Real Racquet Academy is providing exclusive padel programmes for schools across the year to make sure the little ones try out this new sport. The programmes are eight to 10 weeks long including weekly academy lessons with the coach. The most important thing is it’s completely free which should encourage more schools to come forward and actively be part of this programme,” said Ana Lopez, general manager of Real Racquet Academy based at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.
“Taking the game to schools is a very important step in helping the game grow. So far we offer the programme to two schools per term. For now we have kids from the Emirates International School and Star School who are enjoying the sessions,” she added.
Padel tennis is a very demanding sport and in a region where there is a growing concern for obesity among children, Lopez said the sport helps kids stay fit and healthy. “Padel tennis is an aerobic sport, very dynamic and fun where kids can improve their reflexes as well as get involved with the competitive yet social aim of the sport,” she said.
Lopez added that while the programme has made a humble beginning, they were targeting more schools in the coming days. “We are sending invites to as many schools as possible. Our aim is to have big numbers sign up for our programme and have the little ones happy and entertained with a new racquet sport, easier and more social than tennis or squash for instance,” she said.
“We are looking to expand to a new facility with more courts where we would be able to reach out to more schools and kids. They also get an opportunity to play a tournament at the end of the programme which will check their progress.”