New initiative aims to bring padel to more universities across the UK
Soul Padel has launched Soul Padel on Campus, a new initiative designed to bring padel to university settings across the UK. The programme’s first installation at Loughborough University is now open, providing students, staff, and the wider community with access to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
“Padel is an incredible way to bring people together. At Soul Padel, we’ve seen firsthand how the sport creates thriving, inclusive communities, and we’re excited to bring this experience to universities. Our journey begins with Loughborough University, and we look forward to working with more institutions to expand opportunities for students and staff to discover padel,” said Mark Hewlett, CEO and Founder of Soul Padel.
Universities are increasingly looking for new ways to enhance student experience, encourage participation in sport, and maximise the use of their facilities. Padel’s fast, social, and accessible nature makes it an ideal addition to university campuses, appealing to students of all abilities.
Building a Padel Community on Campus
The courts at Loughborough Uni offer a wide range of structured sessions to cater to all levels of play, from complete beginners to competitive players with a programme including:
● Introductory sessions, designed to help new players build confidence on court.
● Casual court hire, allowing students, staff, and the wider community to book courts for their own matches.
● Social sessions, ideal for those looking to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the sport.
● Americanos, a fun, competitive format where players rotate partners throughout the game.
Showcasing Padel at Loughborough
To celebrate the opening of the courts and introduce more players to the game, a series of special events are being held at Loughborough Uni over the coming weeks:
● Thursday 6 March – Soul Sisters Social, marking International Women’s Day in collaboration with Loughborough University’s EmpowerHER programme.
● Wednesday 19 March – Soul Padel will be part of BUCS Big Wednesday, the largest student sporting event in the UK.
● Wednesday 26 March – A formal launch event to celebrate the partnership and mark the official introduction of padel at Loughborough University.
Expanding Padel Across UK Universities
Following the launch at Loughborough, Soul Padel on Campus is actively engaging with universities interested in bringing padel to their students and staff. The initiative offers a flexible approach to introducing the sport, with models including:
● Fully funded, operator-led installations, where Soul Padel funds, builds, and manages the courts.
● Co-investment partnerships, where universities and Soul Padel share development costs and responsibilities.
● University-led development, where institutions take full ownership of the courts.
Padel participation in the UK has grown by 500% in the past three years (LTA, 2024), and demand among 18-24-year-olds is rising, making university campuses a natural home for the sport.
“We’re committed to growing padel in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and engaging for students. We welcome conversations with universities looking to bring this exciting sport to their campuses,”
added Hewlett.
Find out more
For universities interested in exploring a partnership with Soul Padel on Campus, please contact:
Mark Hewlett (Founder and CEO) – mark@soulpadel.co.uk | 07961 310078
Rob Jones (Business Development) – rob@soulpadel.co.uk | 07948 465011
About Soul Padel
Soul Padel is dedicated to making padel a sport for everyone. With a focus on accessibility, community, and quality, Soul Padel is expanding across the UK, bringing this exciting, social, and inclusive game to more people than ever.
Mark Hewlett
Email: mark@soulpadel.co.uk
Phone: 07961310078
Website: soulpadel.co.uk
