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Player Development is an essential component for the continued growth of Paddle in Canada. Paddle Canada has developed a number of programs to promote the sport to juniors and develop talent at all levels.
National Team
The National Team represents Canada at the World Championships, which is held bi-annually, and trains out of Calgary. The last World Championships was in
Murcia, Spain in Nov, 2006. The team consisted of 7 men (3 teams, 1 spare) and 7 women (3 teams, 1 spare) and coaches. Team is selected based on performance in Paddle Canada sanctioned tournaments and in conjunction with the criteria determined by the National Team Coach. Most of the National Team members are accomplished national grade tennis and squash players that have taken up the sport of Paddle.
Paddle Canada National Team, 2004
Junior Development
Junior player development is a major focal point of Paddle Canada. Free junior clinics are held every week during the summer and anyone under the age of 18 is encouraged to attend. The construction of courts at A.E. Cross Junior High School has heightened the awareness in this demographic and schools within the vicinity are now adding Paddle to their physical education program. Paddle Canada also plans to send a junior national team to the World Junior Championships and Pan American Championships in the near future. Anybody under the age of 18 in the Calgary area should contact Bill Stamile at 403.531.6838.
Stephen Marks and Andres Stamile.
Andres Stamile, Stephen Marks and Coach Bill Stamile at
Pan-American Junior Tournament,
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Men's Programs
Steve Shannon, Men's National Team coach, is responsible for the men's programs available through Paddle Canada. Free drop-ins are conducted weekly at the AE Cross courts in Calgary for the general public. The World Health Club in Edgemont also provides drop-ins for members. Anyone interested in learning more about the sport and getting a free introductory clinic should contact Steve at 403.209.4581. Steve and a number of the National Team players are also available for private or group lessons.
Women's Programs
Patti McPhee is responsible for the women's programs available through Paddle Canada. Free drop-ins are conducted weekly at the AE Cross courts in Calgary for the general public. The World Health Club in Edgemont also provides drop-ins for members. Anyone interested in learning more about the sport and getting a free introductory clinic should contact Patti.
Ask the Pro
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He may not be pretty, but he sure knows his Paddle. Steve Shannon, National Team coach, is available to answer any questions you might have about the game including everything from the rules, technique, equipment and strategy. To ask Steve a question, send him an email. |
Steve Shannon
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