AFP Hosts PPR Coach Certification in Singapore on June 13, 2025
What's the Score?
The Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) is actively working to enhance coaching standards in Southeast Asia by hosting a PPR Level 1 Coach Certification workshop in Singapore. This one-day event is specifically designed for pickleball coaches working with adults at the beginner and improver levels. Scheduled for June 13, 2025, in Singapore, the certification aims to provide coaches with professional credentials and contribute to the sport's growth in the region.
Hit it deeper!
The Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) is taking a concrete step towards developing qualified pickleball coaches in Southeast Asia with an upcoming PPR Level 1 Coach Certification. The workshop is set to be held on June 13, 2025, at Singapore Expo Hall 7, located at 9 Somapah Road, Singapore. This certification is targeted at pickleball coaches who work with beginner and improver adult players.
Participation in the workshop requires a fee of SGD $420. This fee covers comprehensive course materials, an online assessment, and a PPR certificate awarded upon successfully completing and passing the required exams. The primary goals of this certification training are to help pickleball coaches enhance their skills, gain professional credentials, and actively contribute to the expansion of pickleball across Southeast Asia. The workshop will be led by Gary Tan, who is an AFP-appointed PPR Coach Developer.
The PPR Level 1 Certification workshops are specifically tailored to guide instructors on effectively teaching adult pickleball players at the foundational levels. These workshops are conducted by highly trained clinicians who are responsible for creating an effective learning environment. To achieve certification, coaches must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in their pickleball skills, teaching ability, and overall knowledge of the sport. It's noted that the AFP has previously hosted a PPR Level 1 Certification in Singapore in March.
Those interested in joining the AFP’s PPR Level 1 Certification must have at least a 3.5 player level. Players can determine their level through a self-rating using information provided on the USA Pickleball website, or they can obtain a rating by playing in an AFP or an AFP member country-sanctioned tournament.
Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to prepare thoroughly before attending the workshop. Preparation includes reading through the study guide two or three times and completing the online video pre-course. All necessary study materials are sent to accepted coaches via email prior to the course. The clinician delivering the workshop will assume that participants have mastered the contents of these materials, emphasising the need to come prepared.
The event itself will span five hours spent on a pickleball court. Participants are advised to bring snacks, hydration, and sunscreen to sustain them throughout the session. There will be small, brief breaks during the class, but no official meal breaks, making finger food or bite-sized treats the most convenient options. It is also recommended that attendees eat and fully hydrate before arriving. Essential equipment to bring includes your paddle, court shoes, and extra socks.
Upon successful completion of the training and passing the certification assessments, each participant will receive a PPR certification. Furthermore, the contact details of all certified coaches will be listed on the AFP website at https://www.afpickleball.org/academy. Registration for the event is currently open, but there are limited slots available.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Asia Federation of Pickleball's decision to host a PPR Level 1 Coach Certification in Singapore, particularly for the second time following a March event, signifies a clear commitment to establishing and professionalising pickleball coaching standards across Southeast Asia. By requiring participants to demonstrate a minimum 3.5 player level and pass assessments covering skills, teaching, and knowledge, the AFP is working to ensure that certified coaches possess a foundational level of competence necessary to effectively introduce and develop beginner and improver players. The provision of standardised course materials, video guides, and listing certified coaches on the AFP website creates a structured pathway for coaching development and helps connect players with qualified instructors. This initiative goes beyond simply promoting play; it focuses on building a sustainable infrastructure by training the individuals who will teach the next wave of players. Making these resources available and accessible, even with a fee, demonstrates a tangible investment in the human capital necessary for pickleball's continued growth in the region. The focus on contributing to growth in "Southeast Asia" highlights the regional impact this local certification event is intended to have, positioning Singapore as a hub for coach development in the area.