Building the Professionals Powering Philippine Pickleball
MANILA, Philippines, August 4, 2026 – The Racket Professional Organization (RPO) APAC has successfully concluded the Philippine leg of its APAC Level 1 Coach Training Tour, certifying more than 110 Filipino coaches across Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The milestone marks one of the country's largest internationally recognized pickleball coach education initiatives, reinforcing RPO's commitment to raising coaching standards and supporting the sport's rapid growth in the Philippines.
Following successful training tours in Malaysia and Vietnam, the Philippine program is part of RPO APAC's broader regional mission to establish consistent coaching standards while creating long-term professional development pathways for coaches throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The Level 1 Coach Certification Program attracted aspiring coaches, club instructors, and experienced players representing academies, schools, sports clubs, and emerging pickleball communities nationwide. The certification equips participants with essential coaching competencies, including player assessment, lesson planning, effective communication, on-court instruction, and proven coaching methodologies that promote long-term player development.
The certification program combines 10 hours of virtual learning, a two-hour online assessment, and a six-hour practical workshop, giving participants a balanced blend of theory and hands-on coaching experience.
Among the highlights of the tour was RPO's Level 1 Workshop in Cebu, where participants strengthened their coaching capabilities through comprehensive training covering technical fundamentals, player development, coaching methodology, and club operations. The workshop reflects RPO's holistic approach to coach education, preparing participants not only to teach the game effectively but also to help grow sustainable pickleball programs within their local communities.
Meanwhile, RPO's Level 1 Workshop in Manila was led by Collin Johns, world-class pickleball professional and RPO's Global Technical Director, who shared his expertise with Filipino coaches and guided participants through internationally recognized coaching principles.
"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."
Supporting Coaches Beyond Certification
For RPO APAC, earning a certification is only the beginning. Through its regional education ecosystem and strategic industry partnerships, the organization provides coaches with continuing education, networking opportunities, and real-world coaching experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
Selected standout participants from the Manila Level 1 Workshop will be invited to enter Helios' coach selection process, where additional training and evaluation may lead to coaching opportunities with one of the Philippines' leading pickleball venue operators.
One example of this development pathway is Filipino coach Carlo, who progressed from RPO's Level 1 Certification Program to the intensive COEBRA leadership program before returning to the Manila workshop as an Assistant Clinician. His journey demonstrates how RPO nurtures coaches beyond certification and creates opportunities for them to mentor future generations.
Certified coaches will also gain access to exclusive regional RPO Coach Gatherings, where they can reconnect with fellow coaches, exchange best practices, learn from industry leaders, and stay updated on the latest coaching methodologies and player development strategies.
As the strategic partner of the PPA Tour Asia, RPO APAC also provides certified coaches opportunities to assist in RPO Clinics during tour events, allowing them to work alongside experienced clinicians while gaining practical coaching experience in live environments.
Through its partnership with JOOLA, one of the world's leading pickleball brands, RPO continues to expand opportunities that connect coach education with the broader professional pickleball ecosystem across Asia-Pacific.
These partnerships ensure coach development extends beyond certification, connecting participants with internationally recognized events, industry leaders, and an expanding network of coaching professionals throughout the region.
Unlike traditional certification programs that conclude after participants receive their certificates, RPO's education ecosystem offers continuous opportunities for coaches to apply their knowledge, learn from internationally recognized experts, and remain actively engaged in one of the world's fastest-growing pickleball communities.
As pickleball continues to gain momentum in the Philippines, RPO believes the sport's future will depend not only on the growing number of players but also on the quality of coaches leading them. Through ongoing education, meaningful partnerships, and professional coaching opportunities, RPO APAC is helping build a strong foundation for the next generation of Philippine pickleball.
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