We are excited to announce the launch of our new coaching qualifications, marking a major step forward in transforming the structure of table tennis coaching in England. This development supports a key commitment of Table Tennis United to raise standards, improve support for coaches, and create clearer development pathways.
The new system emphasises ongoing learning and development, and new qualifications that recognise coaching excellence across all environments rather than relying solely on traditional levels-based models.
Below you’ll find updated answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the new qualifications and what they mean for coaches. Additional FAQs will be added as the rollout continues.
The new pathway better reflects how coaches learn and the environments in which they coach. Instead of a one-size-fits-all system of levels, coaches can now develop in ways that match their context — whether community, club, school, or performance.
The previous levels have been replaced with the three new qualifications. Coaches will be automatically mapped:
Level 1 → Coaching Assistant
Level 2 & 3 → Coach
Level 4 → Head Coach
No. Your existing qualification will be recognised and mapped to the new structure. You can continue coaching and choose how you want to develop next through CPD or by progressing to the next qualification.
A full 12-month programme of CPD is now live, including topics such as Corner Coaching, Player Pathway, Fundamentals of Movement, and Playing Styles. Courses are designed for different environments -community, club, school, or performance — so coaches can select what best suits their own learning and development.
Yes, we will be hosting a Coaching Conference at the Senior National Championships open to all coaches. We will also have further conferences and networking events throughout the year.
It’s the philosophy and structure behind how we support, educate and develop coaches. It includes the pathway, CPD programme, mentoring network and alignment with the Player Development Framework.
All CPDs and qualifications will be available to book on through the coaching section of the website – https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/coaching
The structure was shaped through a national consultation and close collaboration with the Coaching Advisory Group. Coaches’ feedback guided every stage, ensuring the new pathway was built around what coaches need and experience in real environments.
The Coaching Assistant qualification will go live in February 2026 (pending any changes).
The Coach qualification will go live April 2026
The Head Coach qualification will go live late Autumn 2026.
Any questions relating to the coaching qualifications and coaching pathway you can contact:
Not immediately. However, the new framework gives you more tailored, relevant development opportunities and access to resources designed to support your real coaching environment.
The Player Development Framework is the blueprint for every aspect of player growth and coach development within Table Tennis England. By clearly outlining the technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and behavioural expectations at each stage, the framework offers a roadmap for both players and those who coach them.
Coach Mentors provide on and off table support, reflective and professional discussions, feedback and guidance. They help coaches apply learning in real environments and support ongoing development.
The Coaching Assistant qualification is your first step. From there, you can progress to Coach and Head Coach when you feel ready or deepen your skills and build out your coaching toolkit through CPD and specialisms.
You can access a wide range of specialisms, environment-specific CPD and support through the mentoring network. The new framework recognises experience and provides tools to continue growing your impact.
The qualifications will be mapped to CIMSPA coaching standards and coaches will have the opportunity to work towards professional status and chartered coaching status.
