The United States Padel Association (USPA) is pleased to highlight the launch of the GPC Elite Academy, a high-performance youth development program dedicated to shaping the next generation of U.S. padel champions. Based at the Giammalva Padel Club in Spring, Texas, the academy provides a structured and professional training environment for motivated junior athletes dedicated to achieving long-term excellence in the sport.
Designed for boys and girls ages 12–18, the GPC Elite Academy focuses on year-round development across all key performance areas. Athletes follow a comprehensive pathway that emphasizes technical foundations, competitive intelligence, physical preparation, and mental resilience. Players represent GPS at leading junior national and international tournaments while progressing toward elite performance standards.
“The GPC Elite Academy is about building complete athletes and preparing them for the demands of high-level competition,” said Víctor Piñones-Haltenhoff. “Our objective is to create a clear pathway that supports juniors as they grow into players capable of representing the United States at the highest levels.”
Leadership & Vision
GPC Elite Academy is located on a high-performance athletic campus in the Houston metropolitan area. The facility is fully equipped to support elite academy operations, featuring four padel courts within an integrated racquet-sport environment that includes athletic training spaces, a pro shop, and an on-site cafeteria. The program operates Monday through Thursday in a structured three-hour daily training block that combines padel-specific fitness, technical and tactical development, and match-based simulation. Player development is reinforced through a competition-focused calendar, with athletes targeting monthly tournaments, participating in regular match days, and benefiting from the academy’s commitment to hosting National and International Level tournaments. Recruitment is supported through existing junior pathways and local school outreach, with national-level players already training out of GPC. Intake is via an application process and is limited to eight players to ensure a high coach-to-player ratio. Players seeking schooling will also have the opportunity to complete their education on-site through Giammalva Prep. The program is open to U.S. passport holders or permanent residents with the intention of obtaining citizenship, with selection based on ability, commitment, and character. Tuition is set at $300 per month.
A Pathway to the Top
The long-term goal of the GPC Elite Academy is clear: to develop players capable of earning selection to the U.S. National Team and representing the United States on the world stage, including the 2032 Olympic Games. Through consistent training, competition exposure, and mentorship, the program is designed to support juniors who aspire to compete nationally and internationally and thrive in a professional environment.
Learn more about the GPC Elite Academy, including program details, leadership, and the athlete pathway, via the links below.