Every time someone joins Table Tennis England, they become part of something much bigger than a game.

Across the past 12 months, our members have helped power a growing table tennis community which reaches into clubs, schools, high streets and community settings.

From backing more than 400 affiliated clubs to supporting new opportunities for children, women and girls, people with long-term health conditions, coaches, officials and volunteers, Table Tennis England membership is helping to make a positive difference through table tennis.

That is why, as the new season approaches, we are saying a big thank you to our members who, through their deeds and through their membership fees, do so much to help the sport thrive.

Helping clubs remain at the heart of local communities

Clubs are often the first doorway into table tennis. They are where new players learn the basics, young people build confidence, adults return to the game, and families find a sport they can enjoy together.

In 2025/26, the Table Tennis England club network included 173 Premier Clubs, 284 Associate Clubs and 703 registered clubs and teams, engaging 20,804 participants across the country.

Those numbers represent much more than matches and training nights. They represent friendships, safe spaces, new skills and a sense of belonging. From competitive league players to Bat and Chat groups, junior sessions, women and girls’ activity, disability provision and social play, clubs are where table tennis becomes part of everyday life.

Membership fees help Table Tennis England support those clubs with guidance, safeguarding, insurance, development opportunities and practical tools.

They also help sustain the people who make the sport happen. This year, the table tennis workforce included 4,067 volunteers, 3,581 coaches, 551 umpires, 304 tournament organisers and 69 referees, all developed and supported as a result of membership fees.

Helping more people discover table tennis

The past 12 months have also shown how table tennis can reach people beyond traditional club settings. Ping Hubs in places such as Ilford and Manchester have created accessible, informal opportunities for people to play, often engaging those who might not otherwise join a club or competition.

At Great Northern Warehouse in Manchester, more than 14,000 people have played since the Ping Hub opened, with more than 2,300 engaging in organised activity. It is a clear example of table tennis meeting people where they already are – in city centres, public spaces and community venues.

Membership fees help Table Tennis England work with local partners to grow the sport in places where it can make the biggest difference.

Young people remain a major focus, too. There are now 1,413 Under-11 members within the Table Tennis England community, while Active Lives data shows nearly 300,000 children and young people play table tennis every week. Through programmes such as TT Kidz, the Jack Petchey Foundation partnership and schools competitions, more young people are being given positive first experiences of the sport.

Supporting health, inclusion and belonging

The good work supported by members is not only about growing participation. It is also about helping people feel included, active and connected.

Ping for Health is being developed with partners including Parkinson’s UK, Activity Alliance and the ITTF Foundation, supporting people with long-term health conditions to benefit from regular physical activity and social engagement. Table tennis groups for people with Parkinson’s have shown how the sport can help people stay active, maintain independence, build friendships and be part of a supportive community.

Work to support women and girls, Disabled People, people from ethnically diverse communities and those in areas of greatest need is also part of this wider mission. In 2025/26, 14.7% of Table Tennis England members came from the top 30% most deprived areas, showing progress in reaching communities where sport can have a particularly powerful impact.

Developing coaches and officials who make the game better

Members also help us to invest in the people who shape the experience of players. Over the past year, Table Tennis England has introduced a new coaching pathway based around role-based qualifications: Coaching Assistant, Coach and Head Coach. The approach puts greater emphasis on continuing development, helping coaches keep learning in the places where they work with players.

Officials are just as vital. Umpires, referees and tournament organisers make competitions fair, safe and enjoyable, from local events to national tournaments. Membership helps support officiating courses and development opportunities, strengthening the workforce that allows players to compete with confidence.

A community effort

The stories behind the numbers are what make membership so important. A young player getting their first chance to compete; a person with Parkinson’s finding a welcoming session; a volunteer opening the hall on a cold evening; a coach helping someone improve; an official ensuring every match is fair.

None of that happens by accident. It happens because thousands of people choose to be part of the Table Tennis England community.

So, to every member: thank you. Thank you for helping us back clubs in local communities. Thank you for helping us create opportunities for children and young people. Thank you for helping us support women and girls, people with long-term health conditions and players from all backgrounds. Thank you for helping us develop coaches, train officials and make competitions fair for all.

Together, we are proving that this is more than a sport. It is a community, and every member has a part to play.