UPA Asia Trailblazers Programme Gets Underway, with Assist from RPO, Pickleball Star Collin Johns
UPA Asia is now accepting applications to the second season of its Trailblazers Programme, which it opened to discover and nurture pickleball talent in Asia. This time around, the association’s talent development initiative is set to get a massive upgrade thanks to the Racket Professional Organisation (RPO).
That’s because UPA Asia and RPO have entered a strategic partnership designed to raise the standard of pickleball coaching across Asia. The collaboration builds on the success of the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program, which will expand to focus on coaching development and mentorship alongside player training.
“As pickleball surges across Asia, coaches are key to sustaining that momentum,” said West Shaw, CEO of RPO. “This partnership with UPA Asia gives us the platform to equip coaches with the tools and experience they need to support the growth of the sport.”
As the program’s official technical partner, RPO will lead the creation of coaching standards and curriculum, working hand-in-hand with UPA Asia to equip the next generation of coaches and players with the skills and support they need to thrive.
Collin Johns Named Head Coach
The selection of the new batch of trailblazers will in part be influenced by former world No. 1 doubles player and RPO Centre of Excellence Technical Director Collin Johns, who has been appointed Head Coach of the UPA Asia Trailblazers Pre-Selection Training Camp. In this capacity, Johns will design and lead the December camp, bringing his elite playing experience and leadership to one of the most significant player development initiatives in the region.
“As both a player and a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the right training environment can completely change the trajectory of an athlete or a coach,” said Johns. “The Trailblazers Program gives us the chance to work with players and coaches who are shaping the next era of pickleball in Asia. I look forward to helping them grow, compete, and inspire the communities they serve.”
Johns will be supported by Chris Harradine, Josh Jenkins, and a roster of experienced coaches from across Asia. Together, they will deliver hands-on training and mentorship to Trailblazers candidates, combining global best practices with regional expertise.
Expanding Opportunities for Coaches
The camp will also serve as a training ground for Asian coaches through RPO’s COEBRA Program, providing practical experience in high-performance environments. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of RPO and UPA Asia to raise coaching standards across the continent.
To ensure consistency and excellence across the program, RPO and UPA Asia will also co-author the Trailblazers Technical Handbook, creating a unified methodology and resource for coaches and players.
“This partnership with RPO is a cornerstone of our strategy to build a sustainable future for pickleball in Asia,” said Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia. “By investing in our coaches, we are investing in the entire ecosystem. The Trailblazers Program, now supercharged with RPO’s expertise, will create a lasting pipeline of talent that will elevate the sport for years to come.”
Players looking to be among the new batch of Trailblazers can submit an application here. Applications close on 19 October 2025.
The Class of 2026 will be announced by March 2026, with the top Trailblazers securing a two-year UPA Asia pro contract and unlocking the opportunity to compete on the Carvana PPA Tour as part of an all-expenses-paid immersion in America’s pickleball heartland. Notable members of the programme’s pioneer batch include Jimmy Liong of Malaysia, Yufei Long of China, and Kim Eunggwon of South Korea.
