Padel has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, combining elements of fun and fitness. Its universal appeal attracts not only beginners but also a variety of professional athletes who have begun playing the sport, such as Rafael Nadal, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Stormzy. With over 30 million padel players globally, the sport’s growing popularity has led to the construction of 250 more padel courts in the UK between 2022 and 2023.
Easy to learn but challenging enough to keep you engaged
Being a hybrid of tennis and squash, padel is predominantly played in a doubles format, ideal for socialising and meeting new people. While similar to tennis, padel stands apart in some key aspects: the court is a third smaller than the size of a standard tennis court; the racquet is solid and stringless, unlike tennis racquets, and you serve underarm. Nevertheless, the scoring system remains consistent with tennis, making it an easy transition for those familiar with the sport.
Padel is a dynamic and inclusive sport suited for students looking to stay active and socialise. Combining the best elements of tennis and squash, it is both easy to learn but challenging enough to keep you engaged. Padel’s versatility makes it a sport for all, encouraging participation from individuals of all abilities — padel is a sport for everyone, so sign yourself up!
Padel has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports globally, blending fun and fitness
Exeter University’s Padel Society was recently established in May 2024, joining the likes of Durham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Newcastle, all of which have embraced this dynamic and rapidly evolving sport. As Team Captain of the Padel Society, I am committed to fostering inclusivity by welcoming players of all abilities, from beginners to advanced athletes. One of our core objectives as a society is to launch a ‘This Girl Can’ initiative aimed at increasing female participation in the sport.
Established in 2024, the Exeter University Padel Society has embraced this dynamic and exciting sport
Beyond access to padel courts, equipment, and coaching, membership in Exeter University’s Padel Society provides access to weekly socials (inevitably ending in TP) and the much-anticipated end-of-season dinner which in true Exeter fashion will, of course, be a black tie event! Join Exeter University’s Padel Society today and become part of this growing community, where you can enjoy yourself both on and off the court.
