Pickleball has taken another step forward in Sabah with the official opening of the Todi Pickleball School at The Good Club in Tanjung Aru. The launch on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 marked the arrival of Borneo’s first dedicated pickleball academy, a joint venture between Todi—founded by Faizal Osman—and MCC Pickleball Club.
Open to anyone aged six and above, the academy aims to nurture talent while making the sport more accessible to the community. Faizal, who serves as general manager and head coach, explained his decision to establish the centre in Kota Kinabalu after recognising the sport’s potential during a visit last year. “This is more than just an academy with a coaching programme. We want to create a platform where students can truly learn and develop as players,” he said.
Building Pathways for Talent
MCC Pickleball Club President Faiezah Yunus highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that it provides students with a direct pathway to regional competitions and future opportunities to represent Sabah and the nation. “What makes this launch truly special is our partnership with Todi. Working alongside Faizal Osman, a pro player who boasts 21 professional titles to his name, will bring invaluable expertise to our programme. I am confident that under his guidance, Sabah is well on its way to producing world-class talent capable of competing on the international stage,” she shared.
The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Norazlinah Arif, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, with thanks extended to Faizal for selecting Kota Kinabalu as the base, The Good Club’s owner Ryan Chu for joining as a partner, and sponsors Delon, McEden from Thailand, Rehabworks, and Velo Clinic for their support.
A Hands-On Start
Following the formalities, students and teachers took part in a special clinic and drill session led by Faizal himself. The session gave participants a taste of the academy’s training approach and set the tone for what promises to be a vibrant new chapter for pickleball in Sabah.
With its launch, the Todi Pickleball School has positioned itself not just as a training ground, but as a hub for growth, opportunity, and community in the sport.
