A New Era of Alumni Engagement

The world of sports is constantly evolving, with new disciplines emerging and capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. One such sport, padel, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, particularly in the UK. This fast-paced racquet sport, often described as a hybrid of tennis and squash, is not only thrilling to play but also presents a fantastic opportunity for alumni to reconnect and rekindle old friendships.

The Padel Phenomenon

Padel's rapid ascent in the UK can be attributed to several factors:  its accessibility, both in terms of skill level and physical demands, has attracted a diverse range of players. However, it's the social aspect of the game that has truly fuelled its popularity. Padel is most often played in a doubles format, fostering camaraderie and teamwork. It's a sport that encourages social interaction, making it an ideal platform for alumni to connect and reminisce.

The demographic of padel players in the UK is also interesting with the most represented group being 30-50 year olds of whom roughly 40% of players are women.  This makes padel an attractive proposition for alumni associations seeking to engage their members.

UK PADEL: Driving Alumni Engagement

Recognizing the potential of padel to unite alumni, UK PADEL is delighted to announce two exciting school alumni padel competitions in 2025.

Over 50s Alumni Padel Tournament: This tournament, scheduled for March 9th at Epsom, is specifically designed for alumni who are over 50 years old. It offers a fantastic opportunity for older alumni to stay active, have fun, and reconnect with former classmates.

Open Alumni Padel Tournament: This open tournament, taking place over the weekend of 18-19th October, is open to alumni of all ages. It promises to be a thrilling event, with players of all skill levels competing for glory.

In addition to these alumni tournaments, UK PADEL is also hosting two school tournaments in 2025:

U15 School Padel Tournament: Scheduled for March 2nd, this tournament provides a platform for young, aspiring padel players to showcase their talent and compete against their peers from other schools.

Open School Padel Tournament: This tournament, to be held in early October, is open to all school-age players and builds on the inaugural national championships held in September 2023. It promises to be another fun-filled yet  competitive event, with players battling it out for the top prize.

https://ukpadel.org/uk-padel-championships/

By organizing these tournaments, UK PADEL aims to not only promote the sport of padel but also to foster a sense of community among alumni and school students. Padel offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories.

As alumni associations continue to seek innovative ways to engage their members, padel presents a compelling option. By embracing this exciting sport, alumni can strengthen their bonds, create new friendships, and stay connected to their alma mater.

Nick Baker, CEO of UK PADEL