The International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), the foremost pickleball coach certification body globally and regarded as “a cradle of champions,” has officially entered Vietnam with the formal opening of its representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. With this office opened, the IPTPA will be introducing its coach certification program to Vietnam.
The IPTPA’s move to Vietnam seeks to professionalise pickleball coaching in this pickleball-crazy country, where the sport is growing meteorically and is expected to grow even more.The association aims to accomplish this goal by introducing the IPTPA’s globally-recognised coach certification system and by setting a new benchmark for training, competition, and community building.
Vietnam’s growing pickleball landscape is the main reason the IPTPA chose Ho Chi Minh City as the association’s new location. Aside from professionalising pickleball training, the organisation will also collaborate with local partners in the city and across the country to accelerate the sport’s nationwide development.
“While pickleball in Vietnam is still in its early stages compared to the U.S., we’re seeing strong momentum,” said Ceci Bao Thu, Representative of IPTPA Vietnam. “IPTPA Vietnam is committed to supporting the growth of both players and coaches nationwide,” she affirmed.
The IPTPA’s Ambitious Goals: Short Term and Long Term
IPTPA President and Founder Seymour Rifkind talked about the association’s plans during the signing ceremony between the IPTPA and its local partners. Among other things, Rifkind announced the IPTPA’s plans to establish a pickleball training centre in Vietnam that features indoor courts, a central competition venue, classrooms, and a professional coaching team.
“Pickleball builds community, builds family. It has the physical fitness, the mental fitness, and social fitness,” Rifkind said during the signing. “My goal is to see pickleball in the Olympics.”
Rifkind also noted that the entry of the IPTPA in Vietnam will:
- Enhance pickleball education.
- Diversify events.
- Increase engagement across the Vietnamese pickleball community.
Among the IPTPA’s partners in making sure these lofty goals are met is Holbrook Vietnam, which will look to help the global body’s mission to strengthen efforts to expand coaching education and player development in Vietnam.
Long term, the IPTPA plans to host events such as the Asia IPTPA Coaches Cup and the Vietnam IPTPA Coaches Cup to provide a platform for skill development, experience exchange, and regional collaboration.
