MANILA, Philippines, July 27, 2026 — Pickleball in the Philippines has moved far beyond being a niche recreational activity. Today, it is one of the country's fastest-growing sports, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds while building a thriving and passionate community nationwide.
Across the country, courts are becoming busier, new clubs are emerging, and local tournaments continue to draw larger numbers of participants. What started as a fun pastime has evolved into a rapidly expanding sporting movement embraced by Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
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| As an official partner of PPA Tour, RPO conducted on-court coaching clinics during the PPA’s Asia stop, providing players with hands-on instruction from RPO's coaching team. |
According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), the sport now boasts 492 affiliated clubs, more than 46,400 registered players, and 427 playing venues nationwide. Accessibility continues to improve with 86 dedicated pickleball courts located across 29 malls, allowing more communities to experience the sport firsthand.
The rapid rise of pickleball has also attracted major investments from global industry leaders. Robinsons Land and Kosmas Athletic Ventures have committed up to ₱1 billion for the development of the Helios Pickleball Center, Asia's first tournament-grade pickleball facility featuring 25 professional-grade courts and a 2,000-seat stadium court.
Adding to the momentum, UPA Asia has announced plans to host multiple PPA Tour Asia events at the venue beginning in 2027, while leading pickleball brand JOOLA continues to expand its footprint in the region through strategic partnerships.
While infrastructure development and international tournaments are fueling the sport's growth, industry leaders recognize that long-term success depends on another critical factor: the development of qualified coaches.
To support this next phase of growth, RacketPro (RPO) APAC is bringing its internationally recognized coaching education program to the Philippines through the RPO APAC Philippines Tour, which will visit Manila, Cebu, and Davao from late July to early August.
As an official partner of the PPA Tour, RPO has actively contributed to coach and player development through on-court clinics during the PPA's Asia events, providing hands-on instruction from some of the sport's most respected educators.
Founded with the mission of elevating coaching standards worldwide, RPO believes that great players are built by great coaches. The organization has certified more than 1,500 coaches across 22 countries and works closely with leading facilities, federations, and industry partners to promote structured coach education and professional development.
Through its APAC division, RPO continues to bring globally recognized coaching programs to emerging pickleball markets throughout Asia, including the Philippines.
The Level 1 Coach Certification Tour will take place in:
The program is expected to certify more than 100 Filipino coaches, strengthening the country's coaching ecosystem through internationally recognized credentials and structured learning pathways.
Designed for aspiring coaches, active instructors, and experienced players interested in coaching, the certification program offers participants the opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport's most respected names while earning a globally recognized credential.
Leading the workshops are:
Participants will undergo a blended learning experience that combines virtual coursework, online assessments, and intensive on-court training focused on coaching beginner and intermediate players.
What sets the program apart is its focus on developing effective coaches, not just teaching the mechanics of the game.
Developed by Collin Johns, the Level 1 curriculum combines elite-level competitive knowledge with practical coaching methodologies. Coaches learn player assessment, lesson planning, communication techniques, and effective on-court instruction through a curriculum that continues to evolve alongside the professional game.
The certification also serves as the first step in RPO's long-term coach development pathway, allowing participants to continue advancing their skills and credentials as pickleball continues to grow worldwide.
"The Philippines is one of the most exciting pickleball markets in Asia, and we're seeing tremendous enthusiasm from players across the country," said Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC.
"As participation continues to increase, investing in coaches is one of the most important ways to ensure sustainable growth. Our goal is to equip Filipino coaches with world-class education, internationally recognized certification, and a clear pathway for continuous professional development."
As the Philippine pickleball landscape continues to expand through new facilities, international tournaments, and increasing participation, coaching excellence is becoming equally important in shaping the future of the sport.
Through its Philippine stop, RPO APAC aims to support this momentum by investing in the people who will help develop the next generation of players, clubs, and pickleball communities across the country.
About the Racket Professional Organization (RPO)
The Racket Professional Organization (RPO) is a global pickleball education and certification organization dedicated to advancing coaching excellence through world-class training, structured curriculum, and professional development programs.
Created to address the growing demand for qualified pickleball coaches, RPO equips professionals with the knowledge, tools, and internationally recognized certifications needed to deliver high-quality instruction and support the sport's sustainable growth.
Led by Global Technical Director Collin Johns, RPO combines proven coaching methodologies with an evolving curriculum informed by the professional game. Through workshops conducted across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, the organization continues to help shape the future of pickleball through education.
For more information, visit:
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