England Hopes Week, launching next month, will be an annual event that shines the spotlight on the England talent pathway.

Running from 15-21 September the week will focus on  the promotion of the England pathway, talent ID initiatives, early development coach education, and culminates in the England Hopes Challenge Cup.

Players, coaches, and parents will all play a part in the week, which promises insight, inspiration and resources to support young athletes on their journeys – on and off the table.

What England Hopes Week will cover

Coach Education: Free online seminar focused on how to support young athletes at the earliest stages of their development. These sessions will provide practical tools and guidance for coaches working with players in the 8-to-12 age group.

Pathway Understanding and News: Through real-life examples, we’ll explore how players progress through the England Pathway, what key transitions look like, and how parents, coaches, and clubs can help support that progression. We will also provide insight into a new pathway programme launching in 2026 that we believe will play a key role in shaping our stars of the future.

Parent Perspectives: Parents are a vital part of a young player’s development. England Hopes Week will include insights and advice from parents whose children have already been part of the pathway, sharing what they’ve learned and what they’d recommend to others.

Performance Behaviours: We’ll be shining a spotlight on the eight key behaviours that underpin performance and development across the pathway – values and habits that help young players succeed not just in table tennis, but in life.

Talent Identification and Progression: We’ll launch a new initiative to help identify emerging talent, and share how Performance Development Centres (PDCs) around the country are playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation.

England Hopes Challenge Cup: The week will culminate in the England Hopes Challenge Cup, a key event that will help select players for the upcoming ITTF World Hopes Week, taking place in Sheffield in October. It’s a celebration of emerging talent and a vital stepping stone for young athletes aiming to represent England on the world stage.

Emma Vickers, Head of Pathway Development, said: “England Hopes Week is about supporting and celebrating the youngest players in our sport – and the people who help them thrive.

“We invite the whole table tennis community to get involved, stay connected, and help us build a strong foundation for the future.”

Stay tuned from 15–21 September across our digital channels and platforms for exclusive content as we share a series of features showing how we’re creating elite athletes of the future.