In my first blog of the year, I noted that 2025 was shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for table tennis in the North West. Looking back, it’s clear that the region has delivered on that promise. Below are just some of the highlights that demonstrate the breadth of activity, growth, and collaboration across the area.

Competition for All

• Peter Leahy, North West Area Chair and newly qualified Referee, successfully delivered the Cumbria Junior 1* Open – the county’s first open tournament for many years – which led to a second 2* event being held in December. 🔗
• UCLan, Preston hosted the North of England Cadet & Junior 2* event, organised by Blackpool TTC. 🔗
• A new North West Events Calendar was introduced, bringing together County Schools competitions, Cadet & Junior League fixtures, and North West Open competitions in one accessible place. 🔗
  

Growing a Grassroots Workforce

• Two Level 1 Coaching Courses were delivered in Crewe 🔗 and Blackpool 🔗.
• A Level 1 Umpires Course and Coaches CPD sessions were held in Blackpool 🔗 and Halton. 🔗
• The North West celebrated a number of successful Pride of Table Tennis Award winners at both Area 🔗and National level. 🔗
  

Participation with a Purpose

• Six North West Premier Clubs registered their interest in delivering the relaunched TT Kidz programme through to 2026. 🔗

Tackling Inequalities

• The TT Kidz programme was relaunched and promoted across North West Premier Clubs, with a particular focus on increasing participation among girls.
• ParkySmash!, an event supporting players living with Parkinson’s, was hosted at the Great Northern Ping Hub. 🔗

Working in Partnership

• Community Table Tennis Partnerships (CTTPs) in Manchester were strengthened, with multiple events delivered at both the Great Northern Ping Hub 🔗 and the Manchester Velodrome.

Connecting the Table Tennis Community

• New Premier and Associate Clubs were established in Glossop 🔗and Rainford.🔗
• A new Parkinson’s initiative in Wigan was supported through the provision of equipment.🔗
• Rainford Table Tennis Club in St Helens was successfully supported with an £8,610 Sport England funding application.🔗
• TT Clubs – Table Tennis England’s club management platform – completed its Phase 4 update, increasing functionality and further supporting registered Premier and Associate Clubs across the North West and nationally.🔗

There are many more events and initiatives planned for 2026. If you are not already on our mailing list, please sign up to stay informed and involved.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported table tennis activity across the North West throughout 2025. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!