The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) has launched a global Coaching Endorsement Program to improve pickleball coaching around the world. Led by officials from five countries, the program aims to ensure coaches provide high-quality, accessible training to players of all skill levels in online and in-person formats.
New Program for Better Coaching Worldwide
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), which has 63 member countries, has created the GPF Coaching Endorsement Program. This program sets high standards for coach training around the world.
It focuses on helping new and grassroots coaches deliver better instruction. The program is led by a team from Canada, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, and the United States. Chair Tony Casey from Canada explained the program’s purpose:
“The Global Pickleball Federation recognizes the critical need for widespread, high quality pickleball coaching and instruction programs, both online and in person. Players of all ages and abilities will realize results and further experience the joy of pickleball when they have access to quality coaching and instruction that meets the GPF’s best practices and standards.” – (Tony Casey)
Strict Criteria for Endorsement
To be officially endorsed, coach training organizations had to meet specific requirements:
Offer worldwide coach certification programs
Provide quality, affordable, and sustainable coaching
Focus on beginner and grassroots levels
Deliver education both online and face-to-face
Be professionally run with ongoing training
Teach skills, safety, and inclusive coaching methods
Four Global Coaching Partners Announced
The GPF endorsed four major organizations that met its standards:
International Foundation of Players Academy (IFPA)
Led by Robert Elliott, IFPA is a nonprofit group that certifies coaches globally. It offers different levels of training and personalized plans to help players and coaches grow. IFPA also provides skill ratings and data-driven feedback.
Pickleball Coaching International (PCI)
Led by Mark Renneson, PCI is known for its online coach training and downloadable lessons. It focuses on practical skills and modern methods for all coaching levels. PCI is also endorsed by USA Pickleball.
Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR)
Sarah Ansboury leads PPR, which trains and certifies coaches worldwide. Linked with the Professional Tennis Registry, PPR offers workshops, online courses, and community networking.
Racket Professional Organization (RPO)
Led by Dan Santorum, RPO trains coaches using lessons created by top player Collin Johns. Supported by JOOLA, the group helps grow racket sports and build leadership.
Global Benefits for Certified Coaches
The program also provides benefits for coaches who become endorsed:
Listing in the GPF global coach network
GPF logo on certificates and social media
Recognition as global-level coaches
GPF President Javier Regalado said:
“Through the pioneering, bolstering global endorsement program, the GPF champions the development of more coaches, in more places across the globe and around the world.” – (Regalado)
Supporting Growth in Every Country
This program is part of the GPF’s mission to grow pickleball through better coaching. By supporting trusted education groups, the GPF hopes to help players enjoy and succeed in the sport, no matter where they live.
This new coaching system could help bring pickleball to more countries and more people, making the game even more popular around the world.
News in Brief: The Global Pickleball Federation
The Global Pickleball Federation has launched a Coaching Endorsement Program to improve global coach training. Four organizations—IFPA, PCI, PPR, and RPO—have been approved. The program aims to raise coaching standards, support grassroots growth, and expand the sport worldwide through high-quality, accessible, and inclusive instruction.
ALSO READ: How Fate Catapulted Lauren Mercado into Pickleball Stardom