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 you’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.

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.

Aad’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. It’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. It’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, Duncan’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.

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