Sud Ardennes Tennis is launching a new weekly pickleball program at the municipal gymnasium in Tagnon, offering local players a fresh alternative to traditional racquet sports starting Friday, October 9, 2026, L’Ardennais reported.
The club will host sessions every Friday from 18:00 to 19:30 local time, with two free trial classes available for newcomers. The initiative marks a concerted effort by club leadership to embrace emerging disciplines endorsed by the national federation rather than relying solely on established offerings.
Alexandre Ponsinet Explains the Push for Pickleball
Club president Alexandre Ponsinet noted that the organization remains eager to adopt new sports supported by governing bodies. According to L’Ardennais, the club previously explored installing padel courts but abandoned the idea due to the prohibitive cost of specialized infrastructure.
Instead, Sud Ardennes Tennis tested pickleball during an open-house event in June 2026 via a discovery tournament. The reception proved immediate and enthusiastic among attendees.
On s’est rendu compte que les participants accrochaient rapidement, que c’était facile d’accès et qu’on y prenait vite goût,
Ponsinet told L’Ardennais, explaining why the club secured regular access at the Tagnon facility.
Pickleball Blends Rules from Three Different Sports
Pickleball is played with a smaller, solid racquet, a lightweight perforated plastic ball, and a court roughly the size of a badminton layout. Ponsinet described the discipline to L’Ardennais as a hybrid of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, emphasizing the importance of quick volleys and an accessible learning curve.
Unlike tennis, which demands rigorous physical conditioning and technical mastery, pickleball allows beginners to sustain rallies and enjoy matches almost immediately. The rules are straightforward, making the sport suitable for participants starting from middle school age onward.
Sud Ardennes Tennis Prepares Equipment for October 9
Sud Ardennes Tennis has purchased a dedicated inventory of adult and junior racquets, balls, and portable nets to outfit the gymnasium. Initially, staff will configure three courts capable of accommodating up to 12 players simultaneously. The venue possesses sufficient floor space to expand to seven courts and 28 active players as local demand grows.
The October 9 launch date coincides intentionally with World Pickleball Day, providing a symbolic kickoff for the club’s new venture. Organizers have structured the Friday sessions entirely around recreation and social play rather than immediate tournament competition.
On fera en fonction des gens qui viennent et de leurs envies,
Ponsinet stated regarding the future competitive direction of the program, emphasizing a player-led approach.
Club Memberships Cost Between 55€ and 100€
Following the initial two complimentary trial sessions, seasonal club memberships range from 55€ to 100€ depending on participant categories. Interested residents can reach the club by phone at 07 50 44 63 60 or via email at [email protected] for registration details ahead of the Friday evening opening.
Worth a look
