Tennis: the change of direction remains to be ratified by the Périgueux CA

For a few days, the CAP tennis will no longer really have a president, at least in terms of form. Because, this Friday evening, as he announced in the preamble, Bernard Darqué held his last meeting "as president, since I have submitted my letter of resignation." The problem is that his designated successors, Clément Coyral and Éric Vigne , whom he presented, could not be elected: there was barely half the quorum for that. A new meeting will therefore be necessary, within two weeks or three weeks, for them to officially take over the co-presidency, without there being any need, this time, for the quorum to be reached.

"Conditionally," as Éric Vigne smiled, they were still able to present their project to the members present. It is based on "the conviviality, sustainability, and continuity of Bernard's work," summarized Clément Coyral. "We must thank Bernard for everything he has done for the club; his name will be forever associated with it," added Éric Vigne.

“Bernard’s name will forever be associated with CAP tennis.”

On the sporting level, for the two future co-presidents, it is a question of "keeping the club's DNA," notably by maintaining the Engie Women's Open, the international seniors + tournament (which brought in around 3,500 euros) and, if possible, by setting up an international junior tournament in 2026. While relying on the elite and hopeful poles.

But the future leaders want to attract the widest possible audience, not just with competition, but also with recreational activities, padel, and even health tennis. "We hope to get back to 500 members, and if possible reach 600 later, to once again become the number one club in the city, the department, and even the region," Éric Vigne aims to say.

Small boom in memberships

It's off to a good start, as the club has already recorded "310 new members for the new school year: 150 adults and 160 children," announces Pascal Vierge, the sports director. "That's already more than last year at the same time, when we had barely 200," he continues. "This time, we have few departures. Now, we're going to try to retain them by trying to satisfy everyone. It's a headache for the teaching staff, but we'll get there."

To achieve this, Dorian Brachet, who manages the tennis school and who has earned his DES, will rely on club volunteers, young and old, for a popular generational mix. The club had to let go of some instructors to reduce its payroll by 12%. "We had warnings about the financial hit at the end of the year," explains Éric Vigne.

Padel courts to be covered

However, one of the aims of the future co-presidents will be to control spending and develop the partnership to "reach €50,000 by the end of 2025-2026, with around fifty partners," estimates Clément Coyral. This, therefore, is coupled with an increase in the number of members, "for whom the quality of reception will need to be improved."

In this sense, covering the padel courts by summer 2026 is one of the priorities of the future co-presidents, who have, for this purpose, discussed estimates between 125,000 and 175,000 euros. "It's both a lot and acceptable in relation to the club and its ambitions," believes Éric Vigne. "Because we are a municipal club, we represent Périgueux, we must have facilities that are up to scratch."

"It's regrettable that there is no municipal representative present this evening to answer questions," Bernard Darqué added. He was also reportedly approached about acquiring a minibus, through sponsorship or leasing, to take children to outdoor tournaments, where they currently do little to promote Périgueux's image.