This week marks the opening of the UAX University School Rafa Nadal Sports School in Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid. The launch featured a campus showcase at Alfonso X el Sabio University, with appearances by celebrated former Spanish athletes including David Villa, José Manuel Calderón, Ona Carbonell, and Anabel Medina. The event underscored a growing collaboration between the universities and the Rafa Nadal Academy, expanding opportunities for students to engage with elite sport and health education on campus.
UAX expands its university complex with this new facility, which covers more than 2,000 square meters. The design emphasizes modernity and high-tech equipment, strengthening the alliance between Alfonso X el Sabio University and the Rafa Nadal Academy, a collaboration that blends academic study with professional sport realities.
Jesús Núñez, president of Alfonso X el Sabio University, inaugurated the new campus alongside Spanish sports legends and world champions such as David Villa and José Manuel Calderón. Ona Carbonell, an Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming, and Anabel Medina attended, along with tennis player Carlos Costa. They participated in a panel discussing the importance of training within the sports industry and how academic programs can prepare students for real-world athletic careers.
The Rafa Nadal Academy team, part of the alliance, presented a university program that prioritizes practical connections to professional sports. The program was represented by figures including Carlos Costa, Maribel Nadal, Fernando Martos, Domingo Roselló, Javier Perelló, Ángel Cotorro, and Antonio Arenas, highlighting the depth of expertise guiding students throughout their education.
The new Alfonso X el Sabio University sports center stands as a clear commitment by the UAX Rafa Nadal Sports School to offer students a distinctive university experience. It brings together renowned professionals and world-class facilities to prepare future leaders for the sports industry within a rigorous academic framework. The goal is to foster talent that can thrive both on and off the field as they step into leadership roles.
During the first year, the program met its initial goals by instilling core values in students enrolled in the UAX Rafa Nadal Sports School. Isabel Fernández, Rector of Alfonso X el Sabio University, emphasized the program’s readiness to guide the sports sector with solid knowledge and practical insight. She highlighted the campus’s ability to merge private clinics and hands-on training with theoretical study, ensuring graduates receive a well-rounded education.
Javier Cano, CEO of the UAX Group, noted that Alfonso X el Sabio University has undergone a significant transformation over the past three years. The evolution aims to connect academia with industry and business through partnerships with leading institutions. The modernization and digitization of the sports center’s facilities are presented as a tangible example of this strategic shift.
A key focus of the day was the value of high-quality training in the sports industry. A panel discussion gathered former Spanish athletes to stress the importance of assembling a top-tier team across disciplines. The shared message was clear: excellence in sport depends on a strong support network that helps athletes grow both in performance and in personal development. Ona Carbonell, who has earned multiple medals in figure skating, argued that athletes must surround themselves with the best professionals to pursue perfection, citing Rafael Nadal as a model. Calderón echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to align with professionals who share a common set of values to make informed decisions.
Costa, a member of Nadal’s practice team, added that athletes should seek a capable team to reach their best. In tennis, he noted, there is substantial emphasis on psychological care and the balance between physical performance and mental well-being. The discussion reinforced the idea that sports success hinges on a holistic approach to training and development, not just on court or field performance.
[citation needed] The joint program between the university and the Rafa Nadal Academy continues to position graduates to meet the demands of today’s sports landscape, preparing them for both competitive careers and leadership roles within the broader sports industry. Each participant brings a unique perspective, contributing to a program designed to shape the next generation of athletes, coaches, analysts, and administrators. [citation needed]