Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) and Kaizen Club have signed a specific collaboration agreement to promote the practice of padel within the university environment. The partnership will support joint initiatives aimed at encouraging participation in the sport, from beginner level to university competition.

The agreement was signed by Raúl Reina, UMH Delegate of the Rector for Healthy Campuses and Sports, and Aitor Belda, Technical Director of Kaizen Club and coordinator of the university padel team. The signing ceremony was also attended by Álvaro Coves, Director of the UMH Office for Healthy Campuses and Sports, and Luisa Rodríguez, technician at the same office.

One of the main objectives of the agreement is to strengthen the UMH university padel team through technical training and preparation for athletes representing the University in the Regional University Sports Championships (CADU), the Spanish University Championships (CEU) and, where applicable, international university competitions organised by EUSA and FISU.

The agreement also includes the organisation of educational activities, knowledge transfer initiatives, university sporting events such as the #TalentoEnMovimiento Internal Leagues, and programmes promoting values such as inclusion, equal opportunities, sustainability, fair play and a culture of effort. In addition, both organisations will collaborate on research and innovation projects related to padel, sports performance and health, as well as on internship opportunities for students from a range of degree programmes.

A key outcome of the partnership will be the launch of the UMH-Kaizen Padel School at the Elche campus facilities. The initiative will encourage participation in the sport among students, teaching and research staff (PDI), and technical, management and administrative staff (PTGAS).

Members of the university community will receive a 25% discount on all activities organised by the Padel School at UMH facilities. The discount will also apply to children and dependants of students and staff, while UMH Alumni members will benefit from a 10% discount. The agreement also provides for shared and subsidised use of the Elche campus padel courts for training and technical development activities.

This collaboration is part of the strategy of the UMH Office for Healthy Campuses and Sports to strengthen partnerships with leading sports organisations and expand opportunities for participation, training and competition within the university community. It will also reinforce the #TalentoEnMovimiento UMH project and strengthen the University’s presence in university sport, while contributing to the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities and Partnerships for the Goals.