USAPA Reaches Partnership Agreement with Professional Pickleball Registry

USA Pickleball Association has signed an agreement with Professional Pickleball Registry for PPR to become the official education and certification partner of the national governing body. PPR is a newly formed subsidiary of Professional Tennis Registry, an organization of tennis teaching professionals and coaches with nearly 16,500 members in 125 countries.

The multiyear deal is expected to benefit tennis coaches who want to add or enhance their skills and become certified in pickleball, a sport played on a smaller footprint than tennis but with paddles and a net.

“USAPA is a progressive organization that has helped turn pickleball into one of the fastest growing sports in America,” said Dan Santorum, PTR CEO. “It is a natural partnership because many PTR members have begun, or are strongly considering, adding pickleball instruction and programming. As a professional membership organization, it’s important to provide PTR members with all the tools they need to do their jobs better, to better serve their students/employers, and to improve the overall health of both sports.”

PPR will begin serving members on June 21. As an introductory offer, coaches who join PPR before the end of June will get a free summer of membership. Pilot certification workshops will begin July 15, with PPR certification workshops for professionals and ambassadors beginning on September 1.

“This agreement with PTR/PPR is the continuation of USAPA’s goal of expanding its list of strategic partnerships, all designed to effectively position pickleball on the global stage,” said USAPA Executive Director Justin Maloof. “PTR has a storied 40-plus year history of high-level tennis training, both here in the U.S. and internationally. Not only has PPR patterned their pickleball program after their successful tennis model, but they have demonstrated a desire and willingness to work directly with USAPA to incorporate us in the planning and development process.”

PPR’s curriculum and certification are being designed by Sarah Ansboury, a five-time USAPA national champion, two-time U.S. Open pickleball champion, and a PTR/USAPA member.

“I am thrilled to play a key role in this exciting new partnership,” said Ansboury, who will serve as PPR’s educational consultant and lead clinician for pickleball related activities. “I am excited to create educational curriculum and videos to further the knowledge of those teaching pickleball. I look forward to traveling the USA and around the world to conduct PPR training and certification workshops.”