Glenwood High introduces padel as official sporting code
The professional-grade courts, located just minutes from the school, have provided an accessible and high-performance environment for pupils to engage with one of the fastest-growing sports globally.
Glenwood High School marked the official launch of its padel programme this past weekend at the Musgrave Centre Padel Courts. While the programme commenced in February with regular training sessions, fixtures and internal development, the recent opening ceremony represents a formal milestone in what has already become a dynamic addition to the school’s sporting offering.
Through its partnership with Musgrave Centre, Glenwood has become the first tier one public school in KwaZulu-Natal to introduce padel as an official sporting code. The professional-grade courts, located just minutes from the school, have provided an accessible and high-performance environment for pupils to engage with one of the fastest-growing sports globally.
Since its inception, the programme has seen encouraging participation levels, with boys embracing the sport’s unique combination of strategy, teamwork and physical fitness.
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Morné Scott, acting headmaster of Glenwood High School, 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 official opening ceremony on April 18, 2026, celebrated this progress while signalling the programme’s long-term place within the Glenwood sporting calendar.
Mr Mark MacKaiser, asset manager of SA Corporate Real Estate, owners of Musgrave Centre, added, “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 set to continue expanding through fixtures and festivals, positioning padel as a vibrant and enduring part of Glenwood High School’s sporting tradition.
