From the 06 to the 08 of May, the International Padel Experience will visit Dublin for the first time in its history. Local fans await with great interest the visit of this prestigious competition to the facilities of the Rockbrook Padel Club in Dublin, the first of the novelties of a season that is about to begin.
Padel World Press .- It will be the second test of the Calendar of the V Edition of the IPE, an appointment whose importance and prestige has not stopped growing since it took its first steps. More and more countries are joining this Circuit and among the 'debutants' of this campaign is Ireland.
Do not miss the interview with Joe Cabello, president of said National Federation.
How is the evolution of paddle in Ireland?
Paddle tennis arrived in Ireland from the hand of the Irish Paddle Federation just over four years ago and more than 4.000 players have already passed through our facilities at Rockbrook Park School. It is not about breaking any record, but it is about highlighting that this sport so loved by many, already by more than 40 countries in the world, continues to attract people of very varied conditions and ages.
What attracts the Irish to padel?
The activities that we have been organizing in Rockbrook have made many have chosen paddle tennis as a complement to the sports they already do, but in many cases, it has also become the first sport because many players who come regularly almost did not practice other sports before to know the paddle. That means that the attractiveness of paddle tennis and its social dimension continues to be one of the most important points for the general public to choose it and start playing sports. In addition, it is a healthy discipline and easily accessible to various levels of fitness. That has made many lean towards paddle tennis as the number 1 activity in their weekly leisure repertoire.
What kind of activities are you carrying out from your club?
There have been many promotional activities organized to this day by the Padel Ireland team, which is who runs the installation. These include leagues, weekend competitions, open houses and demonstrations, official courses for paddle tennis, paddle tennis for children, for families ... However, one of the activities that we must highlight is the competitions between school students that hosts the facility.
All this interest in paddle tennis has made the school open to other primary and secondary schools to present this sport to many other students. In addition to the summer sports camps and the camps organized during the course, where almost 500 students have already attended, we are now starting a new activity, the League of Schools, which will be scored for the National Ranking of Minors. These are tournaments between schools in different categories: Primary, Secondary, boys, girls and at three different age levels. This has meant that many have taken paddle tennis very seriously and are looking for classes to improve their level and increase their chances of success in competition.
Following the installation of the Rockbrook tracks, to which a second track has already been added at the end of 2015, other tracks have also been opened in Cavan, Belfast, Portmarnock, Bective (in Dublin) and now four more tracks will open soon in Dublin's Bushy Park public park. Paddle tennis continues to grow and gain followers and the enthusiasm is evident in the number of emails and calls that we receive on a weekly basis.
What values does the Federation spread through padel?
We are very proud to be part of the introduction of paddle tennis in Ireland, as this contributes not only to the good physical condition of people, but also paves the way for many to enjoy good mental health and contribute to the sociability. Competitive tournaments, open house days, classes, camps and family competitions have already caused many people to meet new people and organize matches and continue to enjoy their favorite sport.
What are the future prospects?
In time, when clubs become more interested in our beautiful sport, we want to reach a lot more people and be part of a 'peaceful revolution' through sport. It is about setting ourselves a clear goal, that of reaching many people from all physical and social backgrounds, including people with disabilities. This will make us very proud to bring paddle tennis to many so that they get to know it and practice it ... Without a doubt, paddle tennis is for everyone.
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