Mixed Team Reach Final of UK Padel National Schools Tournament
Caterham played in the first ever National Schools Padel competition held at Rocket Padel Bristol. Padel has exploded in popularity over the past few years and is a mixture of squash and tennis which relies on sharp hands and an understanding of technique over power. The six pupils playing had never experienced the game other than footage they may have seen online.
The day involved schools from across the country competing in a boys, girls and mixed competition as well as being offered specific clinics to learn the nuance of the game. The spectacle was all being streamed live on UK Padel YouTube channel to open up interest and let parents at home see the fast-paced game in live action.
Caterham pupils included Alexa H, Leonid S, Justin Q, Hammaad M, Will C and Issy C. All six progressed their Padel technique across the day changing their stroke and movement pattern to mimic the needs of the game. While the boys finished ninth after some stiff competition from Millfield, Clifton High, Aylesbury Grammar and Whitgift. The girls won all their group games but due to having only half a team were unable to progress past the groups due to a technicality. The real success was the mixed event where all six players contributed meeting Millfield in the final. Streamed live both sides played extremely well against two strong Millfield teams. Justin and Alexa nearly squeezed the final into a championship playoff forcing their game into a tie break but just ran out of steam.
A fantastic day for Caterham pupils who learned and thrived in a new sport. We look forward to more pupils discovering this new and exciting game.
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