Unesa Launches Training Ground Pickleball Academy to Advance Sport Science-Based Training and Active Lifestyle
Surabaya Kartininews.com – Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa)’s commitment to supporting high-performance sports development while promoting an active lifestyle has once again been realized through the launch of the Training Ground Pickleball Academy (TGPA).
This sports academy is managed by the PUI PT – Sport and Exercise Research Center under the Directorate of Unesa Science Center (USC), as part of the development of the Training Ground Sports Academy (TGSA), which has been running since July 2023.
The Training Ground Pickleball Academy was officially opened on November 25, 2025, with Sapto Wibowo serving as Head Coach. The presence of this academy marks a strategic step by Unesa to expand science-based sports coaching services to the wider community, particularly in pickleball, a sport that is growing rapidly in many countries.
Director of the Unesa Science Center (USC), Mochamad Purnomo, explained that the academy aims not only to revive the spirit of pickleball in Surabaya but also to serve as a center for athlete development that integrates a scientific approach into every training process.
“Pickleball is a sport that is growing rapidly in many countries. Through the Training Ground Pickleball Academy, we want to provide structured, modern, and sport science-based coaching so that participants not only learn to play but also develop physically, mentally, and in character,” said Purnomo on Tuesday (9/6/2026).
Unlike conventional sports academies, the Training Ground Pickleball Academy offers a variety of flagship programs designed comprehensively to support participant development. One of the main programs is the Fundamental Program, which focuses on mastering basic techniques and game tactics tailored to the participants’ age and developmental stage.
In addition to improving technical skills, TGPA also emphasizes character building through the Character Building Program. This program is delivered consistently in every training session to instill values of discipline, sportsmanship, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance — important foundations for young athletes.
To support the physical development of children and teenagers, the academy offers the Motoric Class Program, which focuses on developing gross motor skills. This program is designed to aid participants’ growth while enhancing basic movement abilities needed for various sports activities.
Another key differentiator is the Training Ground Special Weeks. In this program, participants receive exclusive services, including Physical Fitness Tests to measure fitness levels, progress reports in the form of student report cards, Nutrition Classes with nutrition experts, and personalized training progress monitoring.
As part of its performance development efforts, TGPA also provides competitive platforms through Internal Tournaments and TGSA Open Tournaments. These competitions serve as a means to evaluate training results and give participants real competitive experience.
Through these various programs, Unesa’s Training Ground Pickleball Academy exists as a modern pickleball coaching center that integrates professional training, sport science-based performance measurement, character education, and sustainable achievement development.
Located at Gedung Gema, Unesa Campus 1 Ketintang, Surabaya, the academy is open to children, teenagers, and the general public who wish to learn about or develop their skills in pickleball. The presence of TGPA is expected to produce future pickleball athletes while strengthening the modern sports ecosystem in Surabaya and East Java.
With professional coaching staff, adequate training facilities, and an integrated scientific approach, Unesa’s Training Ground Pickleball Academy is the right choice for anyone who wants to take pickleball seriously or incorporate it as part of a healthy lifestyle.
