Here's my two cents' worth.
Navy binding would be classic, so would work for whatever the age of the recipient. And not all girls like pink. (Clearly you're one of them, and I was too for a long time).
Brown-- trendy
Black-- dramatic
I would make sure a dark backing wouldn't show through the white front. Having said that, I think a dark background would certainly be my preference. I like the idea of SITD of the paddles, and your own unique design for each center. Why do the same thing in every center if you can spice it up with variety? That would look cool on the back as well.