Woolton Hill Table Tennis Club’s junior section is going from strength to strength, with Monday night sessions buzzing with energy, laughter and fierce rallies as the next generation of players sharpen their skills.
What began three years ago with just six 11-year-olds has grown into a thriving hub of young talent. Impressively, three of the original six are still attending regularly – and this season marks a major milestone, with two stepping up to compete in the Newbury League for the very first time.
The junior programme was launched by Roger and Mary Cherowbrier, who were determined to breathe new life into the local table tennis scene.
“We wanted to inject some young talent into the Newbury Table Tennis scene, and this seemed to be a good way to do it,” said Mary. “It’s great to see the progress that everyone has made.”
That progress is clear to see.
Over the past three years, Woolton Hill’s juniors have competed in several local tournaments, earning an impressive list of achievements. Most recently, Bradley Harris claimed victory in his group at the Table Tennis England Ping Aspire competition, held at the Jubilee Sports Centre in Kintbury – a fantastic reward for his hard work and commitment.
Meanwhile, Dylan Stowe and Wilf Seymour have been making their presence felt in Division 3 of the Newbury League, representing Woolton Hill Harriers against experienced adult opposition. Wilf celebrated a standout performance with a Player of the Match award after securing a hat-trick of wins against Kintbury Outlaws. Dylan has also racked up multiple victories, pushing seasoned players all the way in several nail-biting five-set encounters.
With confidence growing and competitive experience building, the juniors are now setting their sights on the Newbury and District Junior Table Tennis Tournament at Kintbury Jubilee Centre in March – a highlight of the local calendar that attracts top young players from across the district.
The club has also shown its strength off the table. When Roger was sidelined due to a health issue, fellow members Ian Langley, Sue Purton and Steve Knowles stepped in to ensure sessions continued uninterrupted.
“Their assistance has been invaluable,” Mary added. “It meant we could continue the sessions throughout the time that Roger was out of action and we’re most grateful to all three of them.”
With dedicated volunteers, committed young players and growing competitive success, the future looks bright for Woolton Hill’s junior section – and for table tennis in the Newbury area.
Latest news
