Short Description
Duration
Budget
Partners
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
# M.A.D. Padel – Mothers And Daughters Padel
Connecting Generations, Empowering Women, and Building Inclusive Communities Through Sport
M.A.D. Padel (Mothers And Daughters Padel) is a European initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme, designed to promote gender equality, social inclusion, healthy lifestyles and stronger intergenerational relationships through the power of sport.
Built around a simple yet meaningful idea — bringing mothers and daughters together on the padel court — the project demonstrates how sport can become a powerful instrument for empowerment, personal development and community cohesion.
Implemented between 2025 and 2026, M.A.D. Padel brought together two European organisations: Green Padel ASD, the project coordinator based in Italy, and Sant Cugat Creix, based in Catalonia, Spain. Through this transnational partnership, the initiative created opportunities for women and girls to discover padel, develop new skills, build confidence and share meaningful experiences across generations and cultures.
### More Than a Sport: A Platform for Inclusion and Empowerment
At the heart of M.A.D. Padel is the conviction that sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, ability or socioeconomic circumstances.
By offering free, inclusive training sessions specifically designed for mothers and daughters, the project addressed barriers that often limit female participation in sport. Particular attention was given to individuals with fewer opportunities, fostering welcoming environments where participants could learn, play and grow together.
Beyond physical activity, M.A.D. Padel encouraged mothers and daughters to spend quality time together, strengthen family relationships and develop mutual trust, while promoting women’s empowerment and positive role models for younger generations.
### Turning European Cooperation into Tangible Results
Through a comprehensive programme of sporting, educational and community activities in Italy and Spain, M.A.D. Padel translated its objectives into concrete achievements.
The initiative successfully delivered 48 inclusive padel training sessions, engaged 250 students through school Open Days, and trained 12 coaches in inclusive sporting methodologies through two international digital seminars.
The project culminated in an international tournament held on **5 September 2026 at Junior FC in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain**, bringing together Italian and Spanish participants, coaches, families and local communities. With 180 attendees, the event celebrated not only sporting achievements but also friendship, intercultural exchange and European solidarity.
Environmental sustainability was another important dimension of the initiative, encouraging responsible sporting practices through eco-friendly equipment, reusable materials and awareness-raising activities aimed at reducing plastic consumption.
### Creating a Lasting Legacy
The impact of M.A.D. Padel extends beyond the project’s implementation period. By strengthening cooperation between sports organisations, schools, families and local institutions, the initiative has established a foundation for continued inclusive sporting opportunities.
Both partner organisations are building on the experience by integrating mother–daughter training approaches into their regular sporting activities, helping to ensure that the benefits of the project continue to reach new participants.
M.A.D. Padel is more than a sporting project. It is a celebration of family, inclusion, equality and European cooperation — demonstrating that when generations come together through sport, they can build stronger relationships, healthier communities and a more inclusive future.
Project No. 101234689 | Erasmus+ Sport – Small-scale Partnerships*
Co-funded by the European Union.