Phnom Penh, Cambodia – September 2024 — Confluences has introduced padel, currently the fastest growing sport in the world, to Cambodia with the opening of the country's first padel club in Phnom Penh. This project started when Confluences' CEO, Soreasmey KE BIN, visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and met with Seila DESURMONT (of Cambodian origin) who had co-founded VIETPADEL, a popular padel chain which has today 3 clubs (11 courts) and more than 1,000 regular players. Seeing Cambodia's potential, especially in Phnom Penh where there's growing interest in new sports, Soreasmey encouraged the VIETPADEL team to look at the Cambodian market.

Phnom Penh's population is growing, and younger people are interested in new ways to stay active. The city seemed ready for a new sport. Padel, already successful in Vietnam, looked like a good fit for Cambodia's changing recreational culture.

Confluences Access: From Feasibility to Execution

Confluences Access played a key role in the initial phases of this project. The team first conducted a market study to assess Phnom Penh's sports infrastructure, including tennis, badminton, squash, and football facilities. This was followed by a feasibility study and several site visits from Damien DESURMONT, co-founder of VIETPADEL. Confluences Access secured a prime location for the club along Preah Norodom Boulevard, one of Phnom Penh's most central and strategic streets.

Once the location was secured, Confluences' role concluded, and the rapid development of the project was driven by the expertise,  commitment and vision of the KHMERPADEL team lead by co-founder and Padel senior coach Linh LU. Several entities had attempted to bring padel to Cambodia in recent years, but this project succeeded.

Damien DESURMONT remarked, "Confluences and its CEO were very proactive. Even though we already had the idea in mind, given the proximity between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, the key was to find the right partner to help us locally and Confluences team with Soreasmey were definitely the ones! The Confluences Access team was efficient and helped us deliver this project in record time, added to our now proven expertise in setting-up sports club facilities. A big thank you to all contributors."

Gerard SAN, Sales Manager at Confluences, who went to the soft opening, said, "People might think Confluences only does studies and big projects. But this project shows we can bring opportunities from outside Cambodia. We believe this project will help our community, and that's what's most important.

The Founders' Vision for Padel in Cambodia

Seila DESURMONT, co-founder of VIETPADEL and KHMERPADEL and of Cambodian origin, said: "Cambodia is my country of origin, and I am proud of this project, which will bring a great addition to Phnom Penh's sports scene. I hope that in the near future, we will see Cambodians competing regionally and internationally in this sport."

What is Padel?

Padel is a fast-growing racquet sport that mixes tennis and squash. It's played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court. Players can use the surrounding walls to bounce the ball, making it fun and easy for all ages and skill levels. It's very popular in Spain and Latin America, and is spreading across Europe and Asia.

About KHMERPADEL

The new padel club in Phnom Penh has three courts covered now, with plans to potentially add more soon. There's also a food and drink area for players and spectators. The club will be a big addition to Phnom Penh's sports scene, giving locals and visitors more chances to play.

Don't miss out their Grand Opening on 12th October !

For more information, please contact: Dara N. VAN Access Manager, Confluences Email: dara.nvan@confluences.asia Phone: +855 (0)99 50 19 51

For inquiries about the padel club: Facebook: Khmerpadel, website www.khmerpadel.com

Hotline (TELEGRAM only): +855 (0)15 995 750

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