UPA Opens Trailblazers Programme for Aspiring Picklers in Singapore and Asia
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has opened the inaugural UPA Asia Trailblazers Programme in Singapore. The pioneering programme is especially for Singapore pickleball players who aspire to be professional pickleball players but is also open for Asian picklers.
Picklers between the ages of 18 and 29 from Asia can apply to the programme before the 23rd of February 2025.
The programme is part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) Asia’s commitment to position pickleball as a leading sport across the region. Both the PPA and MLP are part of the UPA, which became the umbrella organisation of the two pickleball bodies after their merger in February 2024.PPA and MLP Asia were set up with a focus on developing professional talent to become national icons and organising premier events to provide a global platform.
The UPA Asia Trailblazers Programme serves to increase the competitiveness and recognition of Asia talents, ensure localised content for the region, and boost pickleball as a professional spectator sport. Moreover, the programme creates a high-performance pathway through the integrated PPA and MLP system, establishing partnerships that bridge the United States and Asia.
Shortlisted players will have the opportunity to go tothe US, which is by and large considered the heart of pickleball, for an all-expenses paid training and mentorship immersion for three months. During this time, players will access top-tier training at world-class facilities, mentorship and clinics from leading coaches and US pros, and participate in PPA Tour and MLP events.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the shortlisted picklers will receive a UPA Asia touring contract for 2025–26 to become the first UPA Asia professionals. They will also feature in all PPA and MLP Asia events as the two organisations will soon be bringing their premier brands to major Asian markets such as Singapore.
PPA Tour Asia will feature iconic venues and culminate in an October marquee event, uniting top pros from Asia, the US and other regions from around the globe. MLP Asia will debut in 2025–26, bringing franchised team play and establishing domestic leagues that will drive the sport’s local presence and excitement.
MLP has over 70 celebrities as part of its ownership group including National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and four-time Grand Slam singles winner Kim Clijsters.
The programme will be covered through a variety of media channels, including short-form and long-form content on social media platforms and with media partners, where fans can follow the players on their journey to turning pro.
More information on the programme can be found on upa-asia.com/trailblazers.
