The best thing about being a table tennis official is making friends from all over the world and becoming one big family. So says Margaret Welch, our Technical Official of the Year in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards.

Margaret, who was a runner-up in the same category last year, was presented with her winners’ award at the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards ceremony during the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 Presented by ACN.

All the shortlisted nominees were invited to the ceremony and also had the chance to watch England in action at OVO Arena Wembley.

Margaret has been a mainstay at domestic and international events for a number of years, often in the role of Umpire Manager – the position she held at London 2026.

Her citation as Technical Official of the Year reads:

Margaret Welch has shown outstanding dedication to officiating, bringing experience, consistency and calm authority. She brings the same levels of professionalism across a wide range of competitions, from local league matches through to national events and major tournaments. Regularly the first person on site, her attention to detail and commitment to fair play ensure matches are delivered to the highest standard, providing players with a reliable and professional environment in which to compete. She takes the time to listen, guide and support officials of all levels.

Technical Officials include umpires, referees and tournament organisers and Margaret said: “To win is a great achievement and I’m very proud of it.

“Table tennis wouldn’t run without volunteers. There’s loads of us doing lots of different jobs, even the umpires are volunteers.

“It’s a privilege, really, because I can’t do my job if they don’t do their job. We all work so well together and we’re like one big family.

“People don’t realise, without the volunteers behind the scenes, the events wouldn’t go on.”

Margaret first started her journey alongside her late husband Steve, who was one of England’s foremost umpires and referees.

“It’s been a big part of my life over 25 years,” she said. “Really, the person I have to thank is my late husband. He said to me one day, ‘I’m going to do this event locally, are you going to come and help?’ And that was it, I got hooked and here I am.

“I’ve been very lucky, I’ve done the Olympics and Paralympics in London, I was at Sheffield for the European Paras, I have done the WTT Feeders in Manchester, the Star Contender London at the Copper Box, and now here at the Worlds.

“Over the years, I’ve done a lot of things, but I don’t just do big events – I do one-stars, four-stars, anything. If anybody asks me, if I’m free I’m pleased to help.”

Margaret urged anyone else who is thinking of volunteering to take the plunge.

She said: “If you’re interested, just talk to somebody – you see us about, just say hello. It doesn’t cost you anything to say hello (and ask) how did you get into this event, or how can I get into this? We’ll soon pass you on to somebody who can help you. And once you get in, you’re hooked and you can’t say no.

“It’s definitely worth it. It may seem hard when you first start, because you don’t really know what’s going on, but as soon as you get into it, it’s great. And you make loads of friends from all over the world. It’s brilliant, I really recommend it.”

Click here to find out more about becoming an official.