Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Building the Professionals Powering Philippine Pickleball

RacketPro APAC Strengthens Philippine Pickleball with over 110 Newly Certified Coaches, Sets Stage for Next Phase of Growth

RacketPro APAC Deepens Investment in Philippine Pickleball Following Successful Three-City Tour

Pickleball’s Momentum Grows as RacketPro APAC Certifies over 110 Coaches Across the PhilippinesFollowing its APAC Tour in the Philippines, The Racket Professional Organization (RPO) has certified more than 110 Filipino coaches while building a long-term professional development ecosystem that connects education, industry partnerships, and real coaching opportunities to support the next generation of coaching leaders.

Following successful coach education tours in Malaysia and Vietnam, The Racket Professional Organization (RPO) has completed the Philippine leg of its APAC Level 1 Coach Training Tour, certifying more than 110 Filipino coaches across Manila, Cebu, and Davao, making it one of the country’s largest internationally recognized pickleball coach education initiatives to date.

The Philippine tour forms part of RPO APAC’s broader regional initiative to establish consistent coaching standards and strengthen professional development pathways across Asia-Pacific. Through this growing education ecosystem, RPO is helping coaches access internationally recognized training while creating opportunities for continued learning and career development across the region.

RPO's Level 1 Workshop in Manila, led by Collin Johns, world-class pickleball professional and RPO's Global Technical Director. 

The tour brought together aspiring coaches, current instructors, and experienced players from across the country to complete RPO's Level 1 Coach Certification Program, equipping participants with proven coaching methodologies, player assessment techniques, lesson planning, communication skills, and practical on-court instruction to support long-term player development. Participants represented clubs, academies, schools, and growing pickleball communities from across the Philippines, reflecting the increasing demand for structured coach education.The certification combines 10 hours of virtual learning, a two-hour online assessment, and a six-hour practical workshop, providing participants with a blended learning experience that integrates theory with hands-on coaching application.

"Certification should never be the finish line," said Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC. "Our vision is to build a community where coaches continue learning, connect with one another, and gain meaningful coaching opportunities long after the workshop ends. That’s how we create lasting impact for coaches and for the future of pickleball in the Philippines." 

To turn certification into long-term professional growth, RPO APAC is committed to helping coaches continue learning, expand their professional networks, and gain real-world coaching experience through its regional education ecosystem.

Supporting Coaches Beyond Certification

More than 110 Filipino coaches have earned international certification—but for RPO APAC, a certificate is only the first step. Through its regional education ecosystem and industry partnerships, RPO creates opportunities for coaches to continue learning, expand their professional networks, and gain real-world coaching experience long after the workshop ends.

As part of this ecosystem, selected standout coaches from the Manila Level 1 Workshop will be invited to enter Helios' coach selection process. Where further training and evaluation,  will determine future coaching placements with one of the Philippines' leading pickleball venue operators.

Filipino coach Carlo, who progressed from RPO's Level 1 Certification Program to the intensive COEBRA leadership program, returned to the Manila workshop as an Assistant Clinician. His journey demonstrates how RPO’s education pathway supports coaches beyond certification and creates opportunities for them to mentor the next generation.

Beyond the Level 1 program, coaches will be invited to exclusive regional RPO Coach Gatherings, where they can reconnect with fellow certified coaches, exchange coaching experiences, learn from industry leaders, and stay updated on the latest coaching methodologies and player development practices.

As the strategic partner of PPA Tour Asia, RPO APAC also provides to assist RPO Clinics during PPA Tour Asia events, working alongside experienced clinicians while gaining practical coaching experience in live environments. These on-court experiences enable coaches to apply their knowledge in live coaching environments while learning directly from some of the sport's leading educators. Through its partnership with JOOLA, one of the world's leading pickleball brands, RPO also continues expanding opportunities that connect coach education with the broader professional pickleball ecosystem across Asia-Pacific.

RPO Clinic at PPA Singapore, led by Aron Ong, RPO Local Clinician, alongside Kelvin Ho, an RPO-certified coach—showcasing RPO's commitment to developing local coaching talent across Asia-Pacific.

These partnerships ensure that coach development extends beyond the classroom, connecting certified coaches with internationally recognized events, industry leaders, and the wider professional pickleball community. 

Unlike traditional certification programs that end after certification, RPO's ecosystem provides coaches with ongoing opportunities to apply their knowledge, learn from internationally recognized experts, and remain actively connected to the region's fastest-growing pickleball community. 

As pickleball continues its rapid growth in the Philippines, RPO believes the future of the sport will be shaped not only by the number of people playing, but by the quality of the coaches leading them. Through continued education, industry partnerships, and meaningful coaching opportunities, RPO is building a community of coaching professionals equipped to support the sport for years to come.










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