Athletics
SLU-Madrid's Department of Athletics promotes physical activity and sports in support of the mental, social and physical well-being of the community, as well as values such as teamwork, hard work and commitment.
Here, you can play more than 20 sports. If you are looking to play at a competitive level, there are multiple professional teams around Madrid that you can join. If you are looking for something less demanding, however, we arrange pick-up games and provide necessary sports equipment and access to court facilities.
SLU-Madrid Partners
- SLU-Madrid partners with Real Canoe N.C., one of Spain's most important training centers for competitive swimmers, to offer flexible class schedules and personalized attention in order to allow high-level competitive swimmers to continue their university studies while training at Real Canoe N.C.
- SLU-Madrid partners with the European School of Sports (ESS). Discover how the ESS - SLU dual career program can transform your academic and athletic
future. Join our community that values excellence, dedication and effort in the classroom
and on the playing field. Enroll today and take the first step toward a successful
and balanced career! For more information, visit the European School of Sports, or email us at hello@ess.school.
European School of Sports Program Flyer (PDF)
Contact Cesar Rioja, sports director for SLU-Madrid, at cesar.rioja@slu.edu for more information.
Athletics and Fitness Opportunities
SLU-Madrid students play football with the Royal Oaks Knights, a sports club with more than 200 members. The Knights play competitive tackle football across Spain, and co-ed flag football within Madrid. The club is based in Alcobendas, a suburb to the north of Madrid (a 20-minute drive from campus, or via Metro Line 10).
The Knights teams practice from Monday to Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. Practices include both on-field play as well as strength training in the on-site weightlifting facilities. There are also opportunities for SLU-Madrid students to volunteer as flag football coaches to elementary school children around Madrid.
SLU-Madrid students play with a team called Los Bisontes de Madrid at the Polideportivo La Elipa (C/ Alcalde Garrido Juaristi, 17). Baseball practice is held from 9 to 11:30 p.m. on Thursdays and softball practice is held from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays. Contact: Jorge at (+34) 605 099 388.
Shoot hoops with César Rioja, SLU-Madrid's sports director and a former professional basketball player. The group meets from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Centro Deportivo Municipal Antonio Díaz Miguel, C/ Joaquín Dicenta, 1, 28029 Madrid, for practice and pick-up games. Players of all levels are welcome.
Students interested in golf can take advantage of individual classes, group lessons and driving range practice at a facility near campus.
Several gyms in the surrounding area and throughout Madrid offer special rates to SLU-Madrid Students, Staff and Faculty.
Gym Metropolitano
- 27 euros/month or 74 euros/three months
- Workout room
- 62 euros/month
- Martial arts and workout room
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gym Enforma 24/7
- 54,90 euros/month or 299 euros/6 months
- Workout room, yoga, Zumba, HIIT, boxeo and functional training
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with Staff).
Holiday Gym Moncloa
- 49 euros/month or 99 euros/three months
- Workout room, ciclo virtual, pilates, Latin dance and cardio-box
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m to 3 p.m.
Metagym Fitness
- 69,90 euros (one person)/month or 119,90 euros (two people)/month
- Workout room, one session of personal training, one session of nutrition and one session of physiotherapy
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Weekend: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orangetheory Fitness
- 109 euros/month
- Unlimited classes, shower and towel service, toilet bag, anti-stress ball and pen
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekend: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Riding classes are offered in the Club Las Encinas de Boadilla. To sign up for classes, contact César Rioja, SLU-Madrid sports director, who'll contact the school and let you know the class schedule.
At La Nevera Pista de Hielo (Skating Rink), there are a variety of activities offered including figure skating or hockey for adults.
They offer trial classes for any of the activities. If you would like to begin with a trial class*, please contact La Nevera at info@lanevera.net, or call 91 638 61 05.
- Ice hockey for adults: 8:15 p.m., Sunday (all necessary equipment is available for rent).
- Figure skating school: noon, Saturday (skates are provided for the tryout class, but you must wear gloves as they are required).
*To attend a trial class, it is necessary to book in advance.
Aside from the classes, you can also enjoy public open rink sessions at La Nevera.
- 6-9 p.m., Saturday
- 5-8 p.m., Sunday
Purchase your tickets at entradaslanevera.net.
Students play with the Club Hockey Pozuelo Team at the sports club in Valle de las Cañas. For more information, email club@hockeypozuelo.com.
Students play with the men's and women's Madrid Lacrosse (Facebook) teams. Both teams practice side by side on adjoining fields on artificial turf. Practices are held Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, and weekend tournaments happen approximately once a month against other teams like Barcelona, Sevilla and Bilbao, including the biggest tournament of the year called "The Copa de España." All equipment is provided by Madrid Lacrosse (Instagram), and signups are year-round, so students can join whenever they want.
For more information, email the club at clubmadridlacrosse@gmail.com.
Students who wish to play paddle can take private or group classes and compete in intramural competition that ranks 10 pairs of players.
SLU-Madrid students play with the Spanish Pickleball Association. There are two clubs in Madrid, each with Pickleball Ambassadors who students can contact for more information.
Students can do Pilates at various gyms near the University.
Contact César Rioja, SLU-Madrid's sports director, by email at cesar.rioja@slu.edu.
Madrid Lions RFC offers the perfect opportunity for SLU-Madrid students to find a close-knit Madrid family. Whether you've played rugby before or are totally new to the sport, Madrid's only 100% social rugby team combines players of all skill levels from all over the world. The club prides itself on having upwards of 10 nationalities on the pitch any given Saturday! The club is English-speaking, but is a great place to practice your Spanish or even French!.
The team trains once a week and has games roughly twice a month. Come when you're able, and don't stress if you can't make a practice or a game. Those who come to games are guaranteed to play.
Email info@madridlionsrfc.com or message the team on Instagram at @madridlionsrfc.
The Running Club provides a platform to practice your favorite sport in Madrid. It's a great way to connect with other SLU-Madrid students and the rest of the community through indoor and outdoor races. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of having any running experience. We hope to see you soon!
President: Devon Villarreal (devon.villareal@slu.edu)
Advisor: César Rioja (cesar.rioja@slu.edu)
Although the University doesn't directly offer this activity, SLU-Madrid is in contact with the licensed scuba diving center Casco Antiguo Diving Center.
The diving course has three parts: Theory, pool and sea.
In Madrid, you will do the first two parts in Casco Antiguo (C/ Jorge Juan, 118).
The third part consists of four open-water dives at sea in Alicante (Benidorm, Altea) or Murcia (La Azohía), which are available to do any weekend. The four dives at sea also include insurance and final processing of the title.
Students will obtain their scuba certificate from the internationally recognized Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
The cost of the course is 350 euros, which includes the use of all equipment and materials and four open-water dives at sea. Lodging and transportation for the trip are not included.
For more information, contact escuela@cascoantiguo.com.
The Ski Club takes one trip each semester. Skiers of all levels are welcome.
SLU Pick-Up Soccer
If you are interested in playing soccer just for fun, join us every Saturday afternoon at Ocio y Deporte Canal. Everyone is welcome, regardless of level.
Location: Ocio y Deporte Canal. Avenida Filipinas S/N [Map]
Women's Soccer Schedule: Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m.
Men's Soccer Schedule: Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m.
Soccer Team
The soccer team practices every Friday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. and competes in the "AS" league on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Tryouts occur at the beginning of the semester, although most of the team is chosen in the fall semester. If you have an advanced soccer level and want to practice with the team, meet them at Ocio y Deporte Canal every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.
Support the team by cheering them on during practice and at matches!
Location: Ocio y Deporte Canal. Avenida Filipinas S/N [Map]
Schedule: Matches are on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
Practices are on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.
If you are interested in playing soccer, contact César Rioja, SLU-Madrid's sports director, by email at cesar.rioja@slu.edu.
Various pools in the city offer discounts to our students. Swimmers can swim on their own, train with a team or take classes. It's also possible to play different water sports in Madrid, such as water polo.
In addition, if you are a competitive swimmer, SLU-Madrid partners with the Real Canoe N.C., one of Spain's most important training centers for competitive swimmers, to offer flexible class schedules and personalized attention in order to allow high-level competitive swimmers to continue their university studies while training at Real Canoe N.C. Real Canoe N.C. prepares athletes for national and international competition.
Contact Cesar Rioja, sports director for SLU-Madrid, at cesar.rioja@slu.edu for more information.
SLU-Madrid facilitates private tennis lessons, group classes and intramural tennis competitions at local facilities.
SLU-Madrid students play in the Ultimate Frisbee Club Los Quijotes.
Our students can practice two days a week and play in the tournaments organized by Club Volleyball Madrid.
Mandatory: To be able to practice and take part in the tournaments, you have to contact Jonas Spolander by WhatsApp at (+34) 647 619 911 or via Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/VoleibolCentroMadrid/
Jonas Spolander
Teléfono: (+34) 647 619 911
VoleibolCentroMadrid@spolander.com
www.voleibolcentromadrid.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about sports and athletic programs at SLU-Madrid.
General Questions
Yes. César Rioja, SLU-Madrid sports director, will be your academic advisor and work with you and your professors to balance your schedule and workload so that you may train and compete as you pursue your degree. Rioja was a professional basketball player and played for the Spanish National team.
César Rioja, SLU-Madrid sports director, will contact your sport's federation in Madrid so that you may train with your sport's elite athletes in Madrid. SLU-Madrid has had professional basketball, tennis and golf players among its students, as well as a horseback riding national champion, a European snowboard champion and a Formula 3 driver.
Unfortunately, SLU-Madrid cannot give sports scholarships. We do not have a large athletic program nor adequate athletic facilities. However, SLU's St. Louis campus offers full athletic scholarships for men and women.
Yes. SLU-Madrid offers two summer sessions that allow athletes to study abroad and enhance their intercultural skills and knowledge without impacting their home university team or delaying their studies.
SLU-Madrid does not have a gym; however, you can try each of the four gyms close to campus for free for a day. These gyms have special rates for students.
- Gimnasio Metropolitano, C/Aravaca, 7
- Gym Enforma 24/7, C/ Isaac Peral, 14
- Holiday Gym Moncloa, C/ Isaac Peral, 4
There are many parks around Madrid where you can run such as like Parque del Retiro and Casa de Campo. There are also running tracks close to the university. Contact César Rioja at cesar.rioja@slu.edu for more information.
Riding classes are offered in the Club Las Encinas de Boadilla.
To sign up for classes, contact SLU-Madrid sports director César Rioja at cesar.rioja@slu.edu, who'll contact the school and let you know the class schedule.
Sports organized by SLU-Madrid are free of charge. Anything apart from that will have an additional cost, e.g., sports club membership fee, renting facilities, etc., which students are responsible for.
Soccer
Tryouts take place the first and second Friday of the fall and spring semesters at Green Canal, which is only a 10-minute walk from campus. Players will meet at 2:30 p.m. in front of Padre Rubio Hall to walk together to the soccer field for tryouts.
The soccer teams train every Friday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. at Green Canal. Teams play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and matches take place between 8 and 11 p.m.
Yes, pick-up games take place from 4 to 6 p.m. every Saturday at Green Canal. One field will be for women and another for men.
The soccer field is at Avenida Filipinas, S/N. Find it on Google Maps.
Basketball
Pickup basketball games and practice take place from 3 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The basketball court, Centro Deportivo Municipal Antonio Díaz Miguel, is at C/ Bravo Murillo, 376. Find it on Google Maps.
Tennis
SLU-Madrid will facilitate organizing private lessons and group classes for up to four students.
To play tennis in Madrid through SLU, you must book external courts, as we do not have our own facilities. The best way to do this is through the 'Playtomic' app, which is available on both the Apple and Android app stores.
Swimming
There are various pools in the city that offer discounts to our students. Swimmers can swim on their own, train with a team or take classes. It's also possible to play different water sports in Madrid, such as water polo. You can swim during the semester with Club Natación Cuatro Caminos. Learn more at cn4caminos.com. In addition, if you are a competitive swimmer, SLU-Madrid partners with the Real Canoe N.C.
Upon arriving at SLU-Madrid, contact César Rioja, SLU-Madrid sports director, who will contact the coach of the swimming team to find out about training days and times.