The Wanderers Padel Club recently made a smashing debut with the introduction of its first-ever padel league, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history. Kelly Ellison, the club manager, expressed her excitement about the new league, saying, “It’s a vibey environment with great music, awesome competition, and amazing company. We are very excited for our future leagues and hope to see many more people join.”
The league, which is the first of its kind at The Wanderers Club, has been met with resounding success both on and off the courts. Teams pay a one-time fee of R1 200 for three weeks of competition, with a grand prize, and a free pizza to share, awaiting the winners.
For newcomers to the sport, padel combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller court with glass walls.
The decision to start a league was inspired by the desire to complement the club’s strong social padel culture with a competitive edge. “We realised that we had the social side of padel completely down, but the only competitive tournament or league we had was ‘Ladies’ Morning’, which wasn’t accessible to all working people,” explained Ellison.
The league’s mixed-team format will bring together players of all levels, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. Matches are fiercely competitive, with teams battling it out in best-of-three sets, where points are awarded based on set victories.
The opening week of the league featured some thrilling encounters, with Alex Goddard and Matthew Greatwood scoring a solid 7 points; while Nirosha Amerasekera and Liam Arron led the pack with 9 points. The final match was particularly riveting, as the top two teams were neck and neck until the very end, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Participants have praised the league’s structure and the opportunity to compete with different opponents each week, enhancing their skills and keeping the games dynamic. Participants have the chance to improve their skills and network with like-minded individuals. The league’s popularity benefits the broader community by driving new memberships and enhancing the club’s facilities.
The Wanderers Padel Club plans to expand the league, host unique tournaments, and establish one of the best leagues in Gauteng, including all-female and all-male leagues. It aims to create an atmosphere where players and spectators can enjoy great music, exciting competition, and a vibrant social scene.
The Wanderers Padel Club’s inaugural league is just the beginning of an exciting journey, promising more thrilling matches, vibrant social interactions, and a growing community of padel enthusiasts.
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