The United States Padel Association (USPA) has officially launched Collegiate Padel, a new national initiative designed to provide support and establish a nationwide network for padel clubs on campuses across the USA. The program marks a major milestone in the USPA’s mission to expand access to padel and nurture the sport’s next generation of players, leaders, and fans.
Across the country, students are discovering padel as a fun, fast, and social way to stay active, meet new people, and build community. Collegiate Padel builds on that energy, connecting existing student-led padel clubs and helping new ones form, grow, and thrive under a unified national structure. The initiative aims to create a network that celebrates inclusivity and teamwork, while giving students the tools and opportunities to represent their universities at a competitive level.
“Collegiate Padel is about more than building teams – it’s about creating opportunities for connection,” said USPA President Bill Ullman. “These student leaders are the driving force behind padel’s expansion, and our role is to give them the structure, guidance, and support they need to succeed.”
The Collegiate Padel program launches with five founding clubs, each representing the energy and diversity driving the sport’s growth: Longhorn Padel at the University of Texas at Austin, Canes Padel at the University of Miami, Yale Padel Club, USD Club Padel at the University of San Diego, and FIU Padel Club at Florida International University.
Each is a student-led initiative, formed by players who saw the potential of padel on their campuses and took the first steps to make it a reality. Now, the USPA aims to provide these clubs and those that follow with support and resources to strengthen their programs and expand participation nationwide.
Through USPA Collegiate Padel, clubs will gain access to advice, mentorship, and practical tools to navigate university systems, organize events, and build connections with local padel facilities. The USPA will also assist new clubs with official university affiliations, helping them establish sustainable structures for long-term growth.
While few universities currently have courts on campus, Collegiate Padel is already bridging that gap. By partnering with nearby USPA Member Clubs, student organizations can secure court time, professional coaching, and event space, keeping the game accessible and active year-round.
Collegiate Padel offers multiple pathways for students to experience the sport, from recreational play to structured competition. The USPA will support regional and national tournaments, leadership development opportunities, and educational resources that empower students to effectively manage and grow their clubs.
Key events on the 2026 calendar include the Regional Collegiate Padel Festivals (Spring 2026), the USPA Collegiate National Championships (May 2026), and U.S. representation at the FISU World University Championships of Padel in Málaga, Spain (July 2026).
As part of its broader commitment to advancing padel at every level, the USPA is a proud member of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation and UNIUSA, the U.S. affiliate of FISU, the international governing body for university sport.
Registered Collegiate Padel Clubs can become USPA Member Clubs at no cost and will receive comprehensive support from the USPA, including club development toolkits, event templates, and connections to local facilities. Clubs can also qualify for annual Club Growth Grants to help cover equipment, court fees, and campus-based activities.
Students who join Collegiate Padel Clubs are also eligible for discounted USPA memberships, granting access to tournaments, educational resources, and exclusive partner benefits.
The launch of Collegiate Padel represents more than a new competition structure; it’s the beginning of a nationwide community. With the foundation now in place, the USPA will guide and support campuses across the country in developing their own padel programs, offering a framework that blends athletic opportunity with social connection.
As the sport continues to gain momentum, Collegiate Padel stands as both a reflection of where U.S. padel has come and a vision of where it’s heading. From Miami to San Diego, Austin to New Haven, students are leading the way.
Together, they’re not just starting clubs. They’re building the future of American padel.