Browsing: Table Tennis

December 9, 2025 | Eamonn Hall

The top teams in Divisions 2 and 3 of the Burnham & District Table Tennis Winter League showed who is boss this year with wins over their nearest and not so dearest rivals in two top-of-the-table clashes this week.

Fambridge did all they could this week to edge closer to Division 1 League leaders Cold Norton B and keep the battle for supremacy honest. Fambridge eclipsed Stow Maries A 10-0 to record their first whitewash of this season. An unbeaten evening of sport for the Fambridge trio of Bruce Kettle, John Poysden and Mark Stones.

Cold Norton B also registered a high-scoring win as they demolished their own C team with a much harder energy sapping 8-2 victory that included three individual matches going all the way to a deciding leg. Cold Nortonâ€s Dave Richardson had just pipped the tricky Kim Shead in the fifth set early on in the proceedings so he was confident going into final match of the night against very awkward Martin Archie. Archie gave him a great fright by quickly taking a 2-0 lead before Richardson fought back to even the match up. The final and deciding leg was nip and tuck throughout before Archie slipped in the last few points for his teamâ€s only singles victory of the evening.

The most surprising result of the night though was a shockingly simple doubles win for the Cold Norton C duo of Shead and Tim Cramphorn who won out in straight sets against top pairing of Eric Green and Ian Wall. Green and Wall need not be too disheartened though as they both registered another hat-trick in the singles to maintain their high win rates for this season.

Daniel Young and Harry Sawford both went undefeated as Woodham A dispatched Cold Norton A 8-2. The third Woodham player, Chris Hancox, was unlucky not to register more than his win over Steve Sawyer as he lost out in five against both Rob Harris and Steve Maltby.

Blackwater A missed an opportunity to go top this week as the two top teams met in the Bragging Rights Battle of Division 2. The Blackwater trio welcomed the unbeaten league leaders Maldon A across the metropolis and into their West Maldon lair.

Maldon took an early lead with tight straight set wins for Colin Napper and Lloyd Bennett-Smith but once the nerves had settled the rudderless Blackwater side fought back with wins for Denis Balic and Neil Freeman. Maldon took the next two matches to lead 4-2 going into the lucky-dip doubles.

The doubles journey matched some of the rollercoasters seen along Maldon Promenade over the years with no team being able to capitalise on any slender lead and so a fifth and deciding set was required. The experienced pairing of Napper and Bennett-Smith came through 11-6 to ensure at least a share of the spoils was secured.

Just as well as Freeman took the next match against Dawn Baldry to tighten the gap, before the trusted Maldon stalwart Napper declared his side the winners with a four-set battling triumph over the stoic Denis Balic.

So with the match won perhaps Captain Bennett-Smith relaxed a little too much against the young whipper-snapper Noah Sage as he found himself in an almighty five-set battle with three of the legs going way beyond deuce. So after a long and tense evening these two were still at it 12-12 in the deciding set – did they not want to get home before midnight? In the end the youth of Sage was too much and the final point went to Blackwater for a 4-6 defeat but pride intact.

Maldon C recorded the same winning margin over Stow Maries B with hat-tricks for the in-form Marty Englander and the effervescent Dawn Baldry. Stowâ€s Dave Marsh had a fun evening playing 19 out of a maximum 20 ends – with one win in the singles and a cracking doubles win with Peter Hance 12-10 in the fifth.

Neil Want was the star turn in the match between Woodham C and Cold Norton D with a troubled hat-trick. A straight sets win over Allan Steel but with each leg going beyond deuce and then an almighty topsy turvy battle with tricky lefty Pete Harverson that was only secured 11-9 in the fifth. Despite Wantâ€s brilliance his team lost again leaving Cold Norton D as the only team in the league without a win this season. It was 6-4 to Woodham in the end with Steel and Harverson taking two points apiece.

Cold Norton E had that ‘Squelchy†feeling this week after encountering the growing prowess of Blackater Bâ€s rarely spotted, but very effective, secret weapon that is Simon Quelch. This week Quelch was in indefatigable form as he dispatched all of his singles opponents for a well earned star player badge, the most difficult match being a tasty five-setter with Dick Wyman where The Quelchmeister recovered from 0-2 down to wear down his opponent to win out 11-9 in the decider. Wyman and Tony Forster were in fine fettle on the night recording two wins each as part of the overall drawn encounter.

In Division 3, second-placed Blackwater D had a chance to impinge upon the growing lead built up by Blackwater C. Well, it didnâ€t go to plan as the D team were royally trounced by the superb C team in a 9-1 victory where David Benstead managed a win for the Dâ€ers to avoid the whitewash blushes.

Very few of the matches were easy so at least there was some fight and spirit shown. Hat-tricks for Peter Davenport and of course for the Divisionâ€s top player – Mr 100% still – Gary Smith.

Maldon D took a decent 7-3 win over Blackwater E with a treble for James Raymond, 2 wins for Shirley Carroll and his first win in Burnham for David Park.

Despite only having two eligible players, Woodham D still edged out a 6-4 win over Blackwater F. A hat-trick for the elegant Chris Crooks and 2 very good wins for Diane King.

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December 9, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

Tickets for the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 will go on sale from Monday 15 December to Table Tennis England members.

Members will be first in line for the chance to book their seats during a priority window before they go on general sale. They can also take advantage of the 10% earlybird discount.

Tickets will start from £5 for children and £15 for adults, ensuring affordable access for families and fans across the community.  

Table Tennis England CEO Sally Lockyer said: “The ticket on-sale moment is a major milestone on the journey to this landmark centenary World Championships. London 2026 will celebrate 100 years of global table tennis, and we are proud to be bringing the sport home for such a historic edition.  

“Tens of thousands of fans will have the chance to watch the worldâ€s greatest players compete at two iconic London venues, creating an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the Championships.

“We are committed to delivering a world-class event that not only showcases elite sporting drama, but also leaves a meaningful and lasting legacy through our social impact initiatives nationwide.â€â€¯â€¯

How will ticketing work?

Tickets will be released in phases to ensure that supporters from around the world have a clear pathway to secure their seats.

Table Tennis England members will receive priority access to purchase tickets from 10am on Monday 15 December until 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 December.

During this window, members will also be able to take advantage of earlybird pricing, with a xf10% reduction available for a limited time.

Table Tennis England members will receive a link to buy tickets via email shortly before the window opens.There will be separate links for tickets at the Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley, which are hosting different stages of the competition.

This early access is one of the core benefits of being a member – offering the first opportunity to secure seats for this milestone event.

Ticket sales will open to the wider public at 10am on Thursday 18 December. The earlybird discount period will remain open until 11.59pm on Friday 16 January, 2026.

Full ticketing details, prices, session schedules and venue guidance will be shared shortly.

Supporters can stay updated by checking the Table Tennis England website and following official London 2026 channels.

Become a Member and Secure Early Access

Fans who wish to guarantee early access, earlybird pricing and first choice on seating options can do so by becoming a Table Tennis England member ahead of the priority window.

Those who join before 15 December will automatically receive access to the Members†priority window.

Membership is quick to set up and provides a range of year-round benefits – find out more here.

About London 2026

London 2026 will be the centenary edition of the World Championships – a once-in-a-generation event that brings the worldâ€s best players to the capital to compete to lift the iconic trophies.

With 64 menâ€s and 64 womenâ€s teams in the field, this is set to be the biggest World Championships ever, held over 13 days from 28 April to 10 May 2026.

The Copper Box Arena will host Stage 1B, including teams ranked from nine to 64, from 28 April to 1 May.

OVO Arena Wembley will host Stage 1A – the eight seeded nations, including hosts England, playing for position in the draw – on 2 and 3 May, before Stage 2 begins with the Round of 32 from 4 May.

More information is available at London-2026.com. 

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December 9, 2025 | Tony Oswick

The clash in Division Oneof the Clacton League between the Windsor Clubâ€s top two teams, the Hawks and Eagles, ended all-square with honours even.

Andy Vincent remained unbeaten for the Hawks, while there were two each for John Pattrick (pictured above, photo by Roger Hance) and Gavin Price of the Eagles.

Pattrick came close to taking his three and denying Vincent his hat-trick, losing 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 10-12, 11-7, 10-12) to the Hawks†number one, with the winning point in the final fifth set coming from a fortuitous net.

Scott Campbell of the Hawks was involved in two five-setters, beating Phil Smith 11-5 in the fifth but going down 11-7 in the fifth to Pattrick.

Elsewhere, the Nomads Lions†juggernaut continued to motor on, their 10-0 success against Brotherhood C their fifth whitewash win of the season. But despite three each for Adam Cuthbert, Adam Wilkin and Jason Lloyd, the Brotherhood team nearly snatched a point, Tim Leung going down 11-8 in the fifth to Wilkin, and Graham Playle losing out 12-10 in the fifth to Lloyd.

Nomads Panthers were 9-1 winners against Walton A. There were trebles from John Hatley and Greg Green, and a couple for Denes Somodi. Derek Willis took the Walton point with a victory over Somodi, who was also involved in the closest individual match of the week, edging past Mark Gale 3-2 (13-11, 7-11, 10-12, 12-10, 12-10).

Trebles from Patrick Cheung and Russell Hillier saw Brotherhood B to an 8-2 success over Windsor Buzzards. James Smith-Daye picked up an 11-8 in the fifth victory over Dave Martin but went down by the same score to Buzzards†reserve Barry Allen. Ray Chillingworth was the other points-scorer for the Buzzards.

In Division Two, Lily Liu recorded a debut hat-trick at this level in Brotherhood Dâ€s 9-1 success against Windsor Kestrels, as well as sharing an 11-7 in the decider doubles win with Kevin Pryor against Graham and Jackie Bunce. Pryor also took a treble, while Fred Gallone won a couple but narrowly failed to make it three, going down 12-10 in the decider to Allen Denyer.

The Brotherhood J v Nomads Jaguars fixture ended all-square, a first drawn match of the season for both teams. Andy Hart with a hat-trick and Chris Petrou with two took the Jaguars†points. For Brotherhood, Joe Sherwin won two, Lucy Carvell and Ruby Gallagher one each, with Sherwin and Gallagher sharing a doubles success. The first match of the evening was the only one to go the distance, Carvell beating Bob Jillins 11-8 in the fifth.

Three for Kelvin Olano-Harper, two for Paul Woolnough and a first win of the season for Paul Stanton was enough to give Windsor Penguins victory over Windsor Harriers. And the Penguins made it 7-3 thanks to an 11-7 in the decider doubles win for Olano-Harper and Stanton over Ferdy Rodriguez and Isabel Barton in the contestâ€s closest match.

In Division Three, leaders Brotherhood H defeated Brotherhood E 7-3. Dan Grindrod took his maximum, with Gary Simpson and Danny Still taking two each. Jack Hillier of the ‘E†team recorded fine wins over Simpson and Still.

Gary Stallwood and Gerry Widnell notched up trebles for Holland Hurricanes in their 9-1 victory over club-mates Holland Lancasters. John Smith-Daye won two but lost out to Dave Wright, 11-5 in the decider.

Three for Dominic Joannou, two for Anne Bonny and one for Mark Taylor, plus a Joannou/Bonny doubles win, gave Nomads Leopards a 7-3 victory against Holland Vulcans. Derek Foxley took two for the Vulcans, whilst James Horsler won one but went down 11-7 in the fifth to Bonny.

RESULTS
Division 1
Windsor Hawks 5 Windsor Eagles 5
Nomads Panthers 9 Walton A 1
Brotherhood C 0 Nomads Lions 10
Windsor Buzzards 2 Brotherhood B 8

Division 2
Windsor Penguins 7 Windsor Harriers 3
Brotherhood D 9 Windsor Kestrels 1
Brotherhood J 5 Nomads Jaguars 5

Division 3
Holland Hurricanes 9 Holland Lancasters 1
Brotherhood E 3 Brotherhood H 7
Nomads Leopards 7 Holland Vulcans 3

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December 9, 2025 | Ron Fosker

After taking no chances by turning out their top three players against Sudbury Nomads the previous week, Braintree Table Tennis League leaders Netts A showed their strength in depth when they turned to their second-choice players for their next match against Rayne B – and still came away with an 8-2 win.

Szczepan Ziobro was unbeaten in his first outing of the season while Joe Meleschko won two, as did Charles Calisin, playing up from division two.

It was back to full strength for their next match, or indeed full strength plus one when they introduced Andy Dosher for his first match in Braintree for many years.

He and Paul Davison were unbeaten against Black Notley A but it was James Hicks who had the busiest evening. He beat Steve Noble 11-9 in the fifth game and Sam Burrows 13-11 in the fifth, but couldnâ€t quite manage the hat-trick, losing 12-10 in the fifth against Luke Burridge, the only set the team dropped.

Netts B sit in second place after three successive wins, 6-4 against Liberal A, where Adam Clift was unbeaten, 6-4 over Sudbury Wanderers, where Chris Parr was unbeaten, and 10-0 over Notley B where both of them, and Sean Clift, were unbeaten.

Like Netts A, Liberal A have a wide selection of players to call on and most of them were unavailable to face Sudbury Nomads, which was bad news for Nomads as Liberal managed to rustle up a team that would be capable of challenging for the title if they played every week. Brandon Crouchman and Scott Dowsett won three each and Adam Cuthbert two in their 9-1 win.

Nomads recovered to win their next match, 10-0 against their clubmates the Wanderers.

Colin Moss came closest to preventing the whitewash by taking Richard Fifield to 12-10 in the fifth.

After a slow start to his recovery from a knee operation – one win out of six – former menâ€s singles champion Steve Kerns had the more familiar return of three wins in Notley Bâ€s draw with Liberal B.

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December 9, 2025 | Connor Whitehead

A blockbuster weekend is in store as the Senior British Clubs Leagues (BCL) Premier Division returns, as the teams head to BATTS Table Tennis Club in Harlow, Essex.

The weekend is set to get off to a thrilling start, as rounds 5, 6 and 7 will see the three unbeaten teams – BATTS, Ormesby and Brighton – all go head to head for the first time this season.

Weekend two hosts BATTS currently sit top of the division by the finest of margins, with only games ratio keeping them ahead of Ormesby, both teams having won 23 and lost 5 individual matches on weekend one. Brighton TTC are level on the maximum 12 points after an impressive opening weekend but with a sets record of 22-6.

Each club also has one player who remains unbeaten, including Frenchman Alexis Douin of BATTS, Mark Bates Ltd National Championships silver medallist David McBeath of Ormesby, and also youngster Felix Thomis, who made his SBCL Premier debut on weekend one – and what a way to open your campaign, with eight victories!

Felix Thomis (photo by Michael Loveder)

Round 5 is set to be epic, with the hosts taking on Ormesby and hoping that a home crowd will help them remain on top of the division. With the Ormesby side featuring three English players on weekend one, they may this time have the help of an international star to bolster their attack. With both McBeath and Douin both sharing an impeccable record, this match could be one to watch!

Brighton TTC, the reigning champions, face the hosts of weekend 1, North Ayrshire TTC. The unbeaten Brighton side will be hoping to maintain their winning record, whilst the Scottish side will be hopeful they can secure a result, after a promising start to weekend one that included one victory, a closer than close defeat to Fusion and two 5-2 defeats to the first and second-placed sides.

Irish side Ormeau had a more than uncomfortable start to their campaign, due to a storm disrupting the arrival of two players. However the team recovered and made it a successful weekend, winning both their Sunday fixtures. They will be hoping to continue winning ways over London-based team Fusion TTC, who find themselves in sixth place, however could easily be positioned at the top of the table with some close matches swinging the scoreline in their opponents favour.

The final match of round 5 will see eBaTT, the newcomers, take on Drumchapel Glasgow in a huge bottom-of-the-table battle as 7th plays 8th. With both teams yet to win, it is set to be a huge clash, and with both eBaTT and Drumchapel bolstering their line-ups, this match is not one to miss.

Round 6 will take place on Saturday afternoon, where BATTS vs Brighton is the standout tie of the round, while Ormesby TTC will take on eBaTT, the two clubs meeting for the first time in Premier SBCL history. Both teams have hugely passionate squads, who bring the energy and fight on every single point.

Elsewhere in round 6, Ireland meets Scotland as Ormeau take on North Ayrshire, with both clubs including local stars, including Martin Johnson, Chris Main and Colin Dalgleish for North Ayrshire and Peadar Sheridan and Paul McCreery for Ormeau, who also have Commonwealth Games team member and Irish international Owen Cathcart, who currently competes in the Bundesliga, available for selection.

Owen Cathcart (photo by Michael Loveder)

Fusion TTC take on Drumchapel Glasgow in a hugely exciting fixture. Drumchapel have made a headline signing ahead of weekend two, with their identity to be revealed later in the week. Could that tip the balance or can Fusion’s totally homegrown side compete with the Scottish outfit?

Sunday’s action begins with round 7, live from 9.30am and featuring the third ‘clash of the titans’ as Ormesby meet Brighton. For the past two seasons, Ormesby have finished runner-up to their south coast opponents and this is their first meeting of the 25/26 season.

Ormeau will face the hosts BATTS, while for the first time this season, the two Scottish clubs meet in round 7, with bragging rights up for grabs, will it be Saltcoats-based North Ayrshire, or Drumchapel Glasgow taking the points? North Ayrshire have had a settled squad in recent years, something which helps their doubles partnerships, a vital ingredient if you want to be successful in this division.

A battle of London will also take place in round 7, as North faces South, Brent Cross meets Bermondsey, eBaTT play Fusion. eBaTT have added Nahom Asgedom to their ranks, while Fusion may have Lorestas Trumpauskas’ services back for weekend two, having missed the trip to North Ayrshire on weekend one, due to clashes with a veterans’ event.

Nahom Asgedom (photo by Michael Loveder)

Round 8 will close the second weekend of action, and the final round of 2025. The teams will go head to head once more and face their opponents from round 1, which means we are set for some epic rematches, with many of the matches going the distance earlier in the season.

An exception was Ormesby, who asserted their dominance over Ormeau with a 7-0 victory, although Ormeau were up against it with two of their players arriving minutes before the scheduled start time due to storm disruption. The Irish side will be looking for redemption this time round.

Fusion had to work hard for the points, as they opened their campaign with a 4-3 victory over North Ayrshire, a double from Shaquille Webb-Dixon breaking the hearts of the hosts, in a match which could have gone either way – who will take the victory this time round?

BATTS also came out on top in a 4-3 victory over Drumchapel Glasgow. Will unbeaten Frenchman Alexis Douin maintain his 36-month unbeaten streak in the UK, as Drumchapel have an exciting new signing ready to take the division by storm – watch this space for an exciting announcement, which could change the fate of the Glasgow side’s season!

Reigning champions Brighton battled newcomers eBaTT on table 1 in round 1, a scoreline of 5-2 doesn’t quite explain how close this tie was, with Brighton on the right side of three five-set battles.

Follow all the action this weekend on the BCL social media channels, and look out for details about live-streaming!

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December 8, 2025

(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame, www.tabletenniscoaching.com/blog)

Before any practice session, you should ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish.

1.      What weaknesses are you trying to overcome?

2.      What average shots are you trying to turn into strengths?

3.      What strengths are you trying to turn into overpowering ones?

You should, of course, start with a warmup. (If you are practicing with a coach or strong player, you may save yourself some practice time by warming up with someone else first, so your practice time can be 100% devoted to improvement.) Get into the serious training as quickly as possible.

The biggest problems Iâ€ve seen with most practice sessions are:

1.      Players practicing the same things theyâ€ve always practiced, and so re-enforcing the strengths those drills develop while ignoring everything else, including weaknesses.

2.      Generalized drills that donâ€t focus on the specific area you need to work on. For example, if you have a good counterloop but have difficulty counterlooping an opponentâ€s first loop against backspin, then incorporate that into your drill. If you just serve topspin and go straight to counterlooping, you wonâ€t be addressing the actual problem. (An opening loop against backspin is different than a loop against topspin – it has more spin and a shorter arc.)

3.      Itâ€s not just about improving weaknesses – you also need to make your strengths overpowering! Do game-type drills that allow you to do this. This includes focusing on developing serves, receives, strokes, and footwork that set up those overpowering strengths.

4.      Practicing shots at a pace where you arenâ€t consistent. If you do that, you are just practicing being erratic. Focus on consistency and good technique, and build up the pace as you improve.

Stay “In The Loopâ€Â with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more

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December 8, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

The memory of England international and World Championship medallist Bernard Crouch is enshrined in a plaque marking the railway disaster which tragically ended his and 12 other lives.

The plaque was unveiled last week at Barnes railway station 70 years to the day after the disaster on the night of 2 December, 1955.

Members of Bernardâ€s family attended the ceremony, which was organised by South Western Railway following a campaign by Barnes & Mortlake History Society to honour the victims.

Local MP Sarah Olney was also there, while Table Tennis England were represented by President Jill Parker MBE and her husband and TTE director Don.

Railway Chaplain Christopher Henley led a service, with the unveiling of the plaque performed by Bernardâ€s nephew David Crouch and niece Kathy Streater, who remember Bernard from when they were children.

A one-minute silence was held at 11.28am, mirroring the time of the crash at 11.28pm.

Bernard was a Senior International who was in the England team which won bronze in the Swaythling Cup at the 1950 World Championships in Budapest, gaining his first international cap at the championships, against Brazil. His team-mates were Richard Bergmann, Johnny Leach, Aubrey Simons and Harry Venner – some of the iconic names of English table tennis.

Bernard also played in the World Championships in 1948 and 1954. Like many other top-class players of the era, he was also an excellent tennis player and played at Wimbledon on several occasions.

His nephew David, who also spoke at the unveiling ceremony, said: “We were fortunate enough to have a very good record of his achievements, which Kathy and I have been looking at over the years. And we’re able to get a very, very good picture of us of what he did sporting wise.

“Table tennis was obviously a fantastic love of his. He was obviously extremely good, he played in Staines for the club, and county level, and for England, especially at the world championships in Hungary where actually they got the bronze medal.

“He was involved in a lot of coaching as well and he was actually coming home from coaching in London, after 11 oâ€clock, when the accident happened, so he had been playing table tennis.

“We’re very proud of his achievements and what he did sporting wise.â€

His niece Kathy added: “His influence has spread throughout the family because his father, and his brother were all very keen on table tennis and when we were children, we had a table tennis table at home and all the grandchildren, play tennis, play table tennis.

“I donâ€t think there’s many times when people are playing table tennis in the family that we don’t think of Uncle Bernard. He’s a bit of an icon in the family.â€

Bernardâ€s great-nephew Rob said: “It’s just fantastic to actually have something physical to go to which marks the event and the people who were in it, so it’s a great thing that South Western Railway have done today to commemorate it – it means quite a lot to the families and people involved in it.â€

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December 8, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

Do you know a school which provides a great experience of table tennis for its pupils? Nominate them now in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards!

School of the Year is just one of the 12 categories in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards and nominations are currently open.

Many people’s first experience of table tennis is at school, and they might also take their first competitive steps in that environment, so schools play a vital role in the table tennis landscape.

Sharing last yearâ€s School of the Year Award were St Just Primary School in Cornwall and Patcham High School in Brighton.

St Just Primary, which is situated seven miles from Landâ€s End, provides regular planned table tennis for its pupils.

All 60 Year 5 and 6 pupils had weekly coaching on six tables in four groups of 15. The children love their sessions and look forward to it every week. The school also has tables in the playground.

Youngsters from St Just Primary School

About 20 children, selected by ability, special circumstances and attitude, then practised in After-School Club on Friday. The special circumstances include helping Ukrainian children and combatting social deprivation.

There is still another level as the most talented then graduate to training with Cape Cornwall Table Tennis Club on Monday evenings.

The Under-11 girls team played in the South West Area Schools Team event in Plymouth in January. All of these girls have played in West Cornwall League events and former pupils now play for the club.

The school totally supports table tennis, allowing free use of the hall, supporting with all communication with parents, and funding travel.

Every child manages to play the game to a level where there is real enjoyment. Even more noticeable is the number of girls playing regular table tennis, often competitively, and to a good standard.

David May, who coaches at the school, said: “This award has really contributed to the further development of table tennis in the school and at Cape TTC.

“Getting TV coverage on BBC South West hugely added to the effect of winning this award. Iâ€ve lived in the wonderful community of St Just for over 30 years, but suddenly I was inundated with positive comments about what we were achieving.

“Now, it seems almost everyone in a town of five thousand, knows about us. Anywhere I went, there were congratulations.

“More importantly, the children we coach every week now are clamouring not only to play more often, but to become better at the sport, and to join the club and play competitively.â€

If you know any schools which deserve to be recognised, then nominate them before 12 January.

There are 11 other categories in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards, covering officials, clubs, leagues, coaches and more – including the blue riband Volunteer of the year and Young Volunteer of the Year awards.

Get your nominations in now!

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December 8, 2025 | Amanda Leonard

Each year Joola Plymouth host and run the Plymouth Junior 4 Star, a fantastic competition that attracts top Junior players from around the country from U13’s, Cadets and Juniors over two days.

Our next Junior 4 Star is the weekend of February 14th/15th 2026.

To ensure we have the correct number of qualified umpires to enable the smooth running of this tournament. Joola Plymouth are looking to run another L1 Umpire Course which would be a great opportunity for players and also parents or coaches alike to gain their Level 1 qualification (formally known as County Umpire).  “I myself was a parent of a junior player when I took my qualification so you don’t necessarily need to be a player either!” – Jason Cornish Tournament Organiser

The qualification consists of some online training (Power points etc) for which all training material will be supplied followed by an online (multiple choice) test prior to a practical assessment where you will be observed umpiring matches with your new found skills for which we propose the practical assessment be carried out at the upcoming Devon Junior Championships on Saturday 10th January 2026.

As we are seeking additional umpires for the upcoming Plymouth Junior 4 Star, the club will cover the cost of the course and all kit for anyone willing to take the qualification and agree to give their time over the weekend of 14/15th Feb for the competition. For those that can help us, food and drink is provided over the weekend and depending on where you are traveling from, we are able to assist with claiming towards your fuel cost if agreed in advance.  For those who would like to join this course but are unable to umpire for the club at the February junior 4 Star there will be a course fee of £35 payable to Table Tennis England.

If you would like to join the course please sign up by 12th December at the latest so we are able to ascertain if we have sufficient numbers to run it.

Link to sign up and for further details

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December 8, 2025 | Connor Whitehead

Table Tennis England Coach Developer, Steve Brunskill, continues on his journey to visit clubs around the country and share wisdom on coaching, as supporting coaches means better experiences for players and stronger clubs for the future, further driving growth of the game and performance.

Britannia TTC – Small space and big energy

Tucked away in an old wartime-style building, Britannia Table Tennis Club in Ipswich might not win awards for looks, but step inside and youâ€ll find one of the most intense training environments around!

Eight tightly packed tables, non-stop focus, and a culture of hard work mean every ball counts. Under leadership from coach Aad Kwakkelstein, his calm leadership, no shouting needed approach creates a pure drive and session with great discipline from a group that clearly loves what they do.

Britannia TTC

From the moment players arrived, it was clear this club runs like a family. Warm welcomes, smiles, and respect filled the room along with a serious commitment to improvement. The session was well organised: registers ready, warm-ups led by players themselves, and drills that balanced skill, intensity, and fun. Aad has created a culture where players take ownership, stay disciplined, and genuinely enjoy the process.

Aadâ€s session was well structure and full of purpose, from footwork ladders to top-table games, everything had intent. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between focus and fun, with players pushing each other while supporting one another.

By the end, everyone left tired, smiling, and already eager for the next session. Itâ€s no surprise Britannia is producing such motivated and well-rounded young players, its coaching done right.

Cramlington TTC – A club with a buzz

Up in Northumberland, Cramlington Table Tennis Club is alive with energy and enthusiasm. Ten tables, a full hall, and players of all ages and abilities, the place was buzzing from the first serve to the last rally.
The session, led by Duncan Wraight, had structure, flow, and a sense of fun. Itâ€s a brilliant example of a community club providing a space where everyone can train, compete, and belong.

Despite describing himself as a session organiser rather than a coach, Duncanâ€s delivery and design were spot-on. His demonstrations were confident and clear, and each exercise cleverly progressed from basic to advanced, mirroring the kind of structure seen in national-level camps, a credit to the preparation and thought behind each drill. After a few hours of purposeful play, the session ended with lively top-table matches that brought smiles all round.

Duncanâ€s natural organisational approach and understanding of player development shone through. With this foundation, and the clubâ€s welcoming, vibrant atmosphere, Cramlington TTC looks set for even bigger things.

Cramlington TTC

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