Learners and staff of Glenwood High School took to the Musgrave Centre Padel Courts recently in a friendly match. The occasion was part of the recent official launch of the school’s padel programme.
Image: Supplied.
GLENWOOD High School has introduced padel as an official sporting code, and says it's the first tier one public school in KwaZulu-Natal to do so.
The school marked the official launch of its padel programme on 18 April at the Musgrave Centre Padel Courts. The programme began in February with regular training sessions, fixtures and internal development.
Through its partnership with the Musgrave Centre, the school’s players have access to professional-grade courts located close to the campus.
The school says that since its inception, the programme has recorded encouraging participation levels, with boys taking part in the sport.
Acting headmaster Morné Scott said: “Since launching the programme in February, we have been incredibly encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our boys. Padel has already added a fresh and engaging dimension to our sporting culture, offering opportunities for participation, skill development and healthy competition.
“As a school committed to holistic education, we believe in developing young men not only academically, but physically, socially and emotionally. The growth we have seen in such a short space of time reflects the value of providing diverse, forward-thinking opportunities that allow our boys to discover new strengths and interests.”
The opening ceremony on 18 April marked a formal milestone for the programme.
Mark MacKaiser, asset manager of SA Corporate Real Estate which owns Musgrave Centre, said: “It has been inspiring to see how quickly the programme has taken shape since February. Watching the boys engage, learn and grow through this initiative reinforces the importance of investing in youth development at a community level.
“Partnerships like this allow us to create meaningful impact beyond our spaces, supporting local schools and contributing to the development of well-rounded young individuals who will shape the future of our communities.”
The programme is expected to expand through fixtures and festivals as it becomes part of the school’s sporting calendar.