South African tennis representative Erin Peters has a big love for Padel Sports, and her new-found passion will go a long way in helping the growth of the fast-growing racket sport.
Less than two weeks ago, at the first Padel4Good double-header show in Paarden Eiland, Africa Padel sports director Jackie Booth voiced her concerns about the lack of opportunities and representation of ladies and youth within Padel.
Speaking at Padel4Good’s very first elite women’s show, Booth stressed that “we still have a way to go before there’s some equality regarding men’s and women’s offerings”.
“Also, if we can promote the youth more and get them involved, look at ways to create a more competitive pathway for the sport, and hopefully the Olympics in the next round,” said Booth.
That same day, at the very same event, one of South Africa’s top tennis players made her debut at Padel4Good, reaching the Plate finals with her partner.
This weekend, Peters returns to the Virgin Active Padel Centre for Padel4Good and Miss South Africa 2024 top-10 finalist Jesmika Singh’s Breast Cancer Awareness event.
Peters started playing tennis at seven, and it was clear that she had a gift.
Throughout her schooling career, Peters was a regular on the Border team until she finally got called up to the SA Under-19 squad in 2023.
Shortly before the SA tour to London last year, Peters saw her father pick up a padel racket, and as they say in the classics, “the rest is history”.
“My parents moved here (Cape Town) two years ago,” says the Eastern Cape-born athlete.
“My dad started playing, and when I came down last year before my tour to London, I saw my dad playing. I joined shortly after, and I just got into it. I haven’t played tennis since last year. I’ve been considering going back to tennis, but I haven’t. Yeah, I like padel now,” said Peters with a smile.
“Padel is a good sport for all people. I like the environment, and all the people are nice. This Padel4Good show is for a good cause, and I encourage more people to come and participate and support. I think it should be done in other clubs as well, more regularly,” said Peters, referring to sporting charity work in the communities across South Africa.
Padel4Good has provided a platform for padel enthusiasts to hone their skills and enjoy the fast-paced game combining tennis, squash and racquetball while playing a huge role in uplifting women and children.
All proceeds (ticket sales or sponsorships) go to a home or organisation in need as the brand aims to fight femicide and child and women abuse.
“I will come back,” added Peters, who makes her return this weekend.
This weekend’s Breast Cancer Awareness event happens on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, and is a friendly show open to players on all levels.
Spot prizes will be available, and players are encouraged to bring their best friends, sisters, daughters, mothers, aunties and co-workers and get involved in all the activities on offer.
* For more details on how to enter and general updates, follow the Padel4Good Instagram page.