Description

Coaching certifications, referee pathways & the Rrise of PB Academies

In this fourth episode of Pickleball Passport we dive into how Europe is stepping up its game – literally.

With player numbers growing fast, it's not just about hitting dinks and drives anymore – it's about building quality in coaching, refereeing, and training culture. But what programs do we currently have in Europe and how can you become a coach or referee?

(00:00)-(00:33) – Intro

(00:34)-(02:29) – Topic Overview 

(02:36)-(08:40) – Coaches

(08:43)-(22:07) – Sarah Ansboury (PPR) Players Lounge

(22:09)-(25:12) – IPTPA Certification

(25:14)-(31:55) – Rob Williams (IPTPA) Players Lounge 

(31:58)-(37:19) – Detail Information on Coaching 

(37:21)-(46:13) - Maria Munz (EPF) Players Lounge

(46:53)-(57:39) - Referee Stefan Players Lounge

What you’ll hear in Episode 4:

• The two main international coach certification programs currently offered in Europe: PPR – Professional Pickleball Registry (official partner of USA Pickleball) & IPTPA – International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association
• What they cost, how they work, and what makes them different
• What kind of coach Europe really needs – and what makes a great one
• How referee education is coordinated by the EPF (European Pickleball Federation)
• Why most players still get the role of referees totally wrong 😉
• Plus: real voices from the community – including Pro Player, Coach & Vice President of the PPR Coach Sarah Ansboury (PPR), Rob Williams (IPTPA), Maria Munz (EPF) and Referee Stefan from Belgium

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & EXPERTS //

Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Sarah Ansboury (PPR, USA) – @sarahansboury & @pprpickleball 
• Rob Williams (IPTPA, UK) – @robwilliamspb & @IPTPA
• Maria Munz (EPF, DE) – @europeanpickleballfederation
• Stefan Entbrouxk (Referee, BE) – @stefanentbrouxk

LEARN MORE – LINKS //

• PPR Certification Workshops & Program: https://pprpickleball.org/events_workshop/
• IPTPA Certification & Program Overview: https://iptpa.com/ & UK Info via: https://www.pickleballengland.org/iptpa/
• EPF Referee Program & Federation Info: https://europeanpickleballfederation.org/

SHARE YOUR PB STORIES! //

We’d love to hear thoughts! 

Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. 

ABOUT RAQT //

RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.

GET IN TOUCH //

Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: podcast@raqt.com