NXT GEN Padel Academy: Raising the Game in South Africa

Padel Ball is more than a game—it’s a movement. And at the heart of that movement in South Africa is NXT GEN Padel Academy, founded by internationally acclaimed coach Jackie Booth. With a fierce commitment to professionalism, passion, and player development, NXT GEN is setting the benchmark for padel coaching nationwide.

Why NXT GEN Is Changing the Coaching Game

It all began when Jackie’s dynamic coaching style started drawing players from across the Cape. Men, women, beginners, and tournament players alike were travelling just to book a session with her. Recognising the demand, Jackie launched the NXT GEN Padel Academy—a platform designed to train new coaches and elevate padel talent through a professional, structured approach.

But this isn’t just another coaching service. It’s a full-blown academy with a clear mission: to deliver world-class padel ball coaching through a proven methodology and a passionate, highly trained team.

Coach the Coaches: A Professional Development Pathway

Jackie Booth hand-selects aspiring coaches based on strict criteria. Those accepted into the academy go through a rigorous training protocol rooted in the same values, techniques, and player-focused philosophy that Jackie has refined over decades.

Her credentials speak volumes:

• Former No. 1 South African junior tennis player
• U.S. Division 1 collegiate standout
• Over 12 years of NCAA coaching and academy coordination
• Certified internationally in padel: Levels 1, 2, Junior, and Coach Tutor

This depth of experience allows NXT GEN to offer something truly unique in the South African market: a consistent, professional, and high-performance coaching model.

Premium Partnerships with Virgin Active Padel & Bullpadel

To align its values with excellence, NXT GEN Padel Academy has partnered with two standout names in the sport:

• Virgin Active Padel – providing access to premium padel facilities across South Africa
• Bullpadel South Africa – the leading technical equipment brand for padel players

These partnerships reinforce NXT GEN’s commitment to professionalism while ensuring players and coaches are equipped with the best resources available.

More Than Coaching: Building a Connected Padel Culture

NXT GEN goes beyond lessons and drills. The academy hosts:

• Social padel competitions
• Corporate team-building events
• Holiday padel camps and experiences

These offerings are designed to foster connection, confidence, and community, encouraging players to learn, compete, and grow together. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your edge, NXT GEN’s ecosystem supports your journey.

What Players Can Expect

NXT GEN coaches follow a globally tested methodology designed to deliver results at every stage of development. Each training session is:

• Pre-planned and personalized
• Focused on error identification and correction
• Backed by video analysis and game strategy
• Delivered with passion, clarity, and care

Whether you’re:

• A total beginner,
• A junior starting your competitive journey, or
• A tournament player fine-tuning tactics,

You’ll receive consistent, high-level technical training every step of the way.

Developing South Africa’s Next Padel Champions

Junior development is at the core of the academy’s long-term vision. Jackie’s goal? To see young South African Padel Ball players represent the nation at the 2032 Olympic Games.

NXT GEN provides youth players with:

• Mentorship
• Structured training plans
• A clear development pathway from grassroots to elite level

It’s not just about shaping skills—it’s about building belief.

 Ready to Join the NXT GEN Movement?

Whether you’re a player, coach, or club, NXT GEN Padel Academy offers a professional, passionate, and proven coaching environment.

➡️ Contact Jackie Booth:
📧 Jackie@nxtgen-padelacademy.com

Thrashers Queen & Padel Mama: Christine Pavlou Is Building More Than Just a Club

In Pretoria’s Menlyn suburb, tucked behind the vibrant courts of Thrashers Padel & Skate, lives a story that’s bigger than padel. At its centre? Christine Pavlou—mother, founder, and the heartbeat of one of South Africa’s most community-driven padel clubs.

While most clubs focus on bookings, Christine built something deeper: belonging.

Padel Ball with Purpose

Christine is affectionately known by her players as the “Padel Mama.” It’s not just a nickname—it’s a reflection of how she runs her club. From checking in on new players after their first match to hand-delivering hot chocolate to juniors in winter, she brings heart to the hustle.

Thrashers isn’t just about courts and coaching. It’s about creating a safe, social space for people to play, grow, and connect.

“We’re not just in the padel business,” Christine says.
“We’re in the connection business.”

 A Club That Feels Like Home

From the moment you step through the doors at Thrashers Menlyn, the vibe is different. Christine’s team creates a warm, welcoming energy, driven by real community values.

• Ladies’ Leagues are designed for every level
• Celebration Culture—birthdays, first wins, milestones
• Junior Development with personal mentorship
• Winter Warm-Ups (yes, there’s hot chocolate!)

Christine has built a place where players feel part of something special, whether they win or not.

Family First, Club Always

As a mother of three, Christine understands balance better than most. She’s raising kids while building a padel movement—and it shows. Her club culture is inclusive, family-friendly, and fiercely supportive of women stepping into the sport.

“Being a mom helps me lead with empathy,” she explains.
“And that’s what keeps our players coming back—it feels like home.”

Women Leading the Way in South African Padel

Christine’s leadership is a shining example of what happens when women lead boldly in the sports space. She’s building opportunity, creating safe spaces for players of all ages, and growing a club that reflects her values.

In a sport still finding its footing in South Africa, Christine’s story proves that connection beats competition every time.

Want to Play at Thrashers Menlyn?

Thrashers Padel & Skate is in Menlyn, Pretoria
 info@thrashers.co.za

Tel:063 758 1694
Come for the courts—stay for the community

 Read more inspiring stories in Padel Life Magazine Vol. 2: