Learners from 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.
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Glenwood High School officially marked the launch of its padel programme during a ceremony on Saturday, April 18, at the Musgrave Centre Padel Courts, signalling a major step in the school’s evolving sports offering.
Although the programme began earlier this year with training sessions, fixtures and internal development, the weekend’s event formalised what has already become a fast-growing addition to the school’s sporting culture.
Through a partnership with Musgrave Centre, Glenwood High School has become the first tier one public school in KwaZulu-Natal to introduce padel as an official sporting code.
The nearby professional-grade courts have enabled easy access for learners while offering a high-performance environment aligned with the demands of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Morné Scott, acting headmaster said since launching the programme in February, they have been incredibly encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by their 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,” said Scott.
Mark MacKaiser, asset manager of SA Corporate Real Estate, owners of Musgrave Centre, said it was 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,” said MacKaiser.
The programme is expected to expand through additional fixtures and festivals, further establishing padel as a key feature of Glenwood High School’s sporting tradition.