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.

Courts are filling up. New clubs are forming. Local tournaments are drawing bigger fields. Players from different age groups and sporting backgrounds are discovering the game, turning what was once a recreational pastime into one of the country’s fastest-growing sporting communities.

According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), the Philippines now has 492 affiliated pickleball clubs, more than 46,400 registered players, and 427 playing venues nationwide. The sport’s reach continues to expand through 86 dedicated pickleball courts across 29 malls, making the game more accessible to communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

As participation continues to accelerate, the Philippines is attracting significant investment from across the global pickleball ecosystem. Robinsons Land and Kosmas Athletic Ventures are investing up to ₱1 billion to develop the Helios Pickleball Center—Asia's first tournament-grade pickleball facility featuring 25 professional-grade courts and a 2,000-seat stadium court. At the same time, UPA Asia has confirmed plans to bring multiple PPA Tour Asia events to the venue beginning in 2027, while JOOLA continues to strengthen its presence in the region through strategic partnerships with the tour.

While these investments are accelerating participation and expanding the sport's footprint, long-term growth depends on more than infrastructure and competition. The next challenge is developing qualified coaches who can raise playing standards, strengthen clubs, and build a sustainable coaching ecosystem for the years ahead.

As global organizations continue investing in tournaments, infrastructure, and player participation, RacketPro (RPO) APAC's contribution is centered on coaching quality in the Philippines. Through RacketPro APAC’s Philippines Tour across Manila, Cebu & Davao, which takes place from the end of July to the beginning of August, the organization focuses on equipping local coaches with internationally recognized education, structured coaching methodologies, and a long-term professional development pathway that supports the sustainable growth of the sport.

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.

Founded to raise coaching standards worldwide, RPO believes that great players begin with great coaches. The organization has certified more than 1,500 coaches across 22 countries while working alongside leading facilities, federations, and industry partners to advance pickleball through structured education and professional development. Through RPO APAC, the organization continues to bring globally recognized coach education to emerging pickleball communities across Asia, including the Philippines. 

RPO APAC is bringing its internationally recognized Level 1 Coach Certification Tour to the Philippines, with workshops in Manila on July 29, Cebu on July 31, and Davao on August 2. The tour is expected to certify more than 100 Filipino coaches, further strengthening the country's coaching ecosystem with internationally recognized credentials. 

Designed for aspiring coaches, current instructors, and experienced players looking to transition into coaching, the program offers participants the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized certification while learning directly from some of the sport’s most respected educators.

Leading the Philippine workshops are Collin Johns, one of the world’s most accomplished pickleball professionals and RPO’s Technical Director, Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC, and veteran coach Derek Sawer. Together, they will guide participants through a blended learning experience that combines virtual coursework, online assessments, and intensive on-court instruction focused on coaching beginner and intermediate players. 

What distinguishes the program is its emphasis on developing coaches rather than simply teaching the game.

Developed by Collin Johns, the Level 1 curriculum blends elite competitive experience with practical coaching methodology. Participants learn player assessment, lesson planning, communication strategies, 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 broader coach development pathway, allowing coaches to continue advancing their education and credentials as the sport evolves.

“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 grows, we believe investing in coaches is one of the most important ways to ensure the sport continues to thrive. 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 ecosystem continues to expand through new facilities, international tournaments, and growing participation, coaching quality is becoming an equally important pillar for the sport's long-term development. Through the Philippine stop of its APAC Tour, RPO aims to complement this momentum by investing in the people who will shape the next generation of players, clubs, and communities.