Pickleball gains traction in South Africa and France

Indoor venues such as L’Esprit Sportif and Zac Pickleball have opened in South Africa’s Rive‑Sud region, while outdoor courts are being installed across the province. The sport’s simple rules and low cost are attracting players of all ages, with former tennis players noting that “it’s accessible to everyone, cheap and requires less technique than tennis.” Tournaments are now held throughout the area, further boosting its profile.

In Haute‑Marne, France, 29‑year‑old Romain Speller is working to expand the game. He plans to obtain a professional tennis coaching certificate to train pickleball coaches and has already won several regional tournaments. Speller and local officials aim to grow the national player base beyond the current 30,000, establishing regular training sessions and higher‑level events such as K100 and K250 tournaments.