The world’s best under-12 players will descend on Sheffield in less than two weeks’ time as World Hopes Week returns to the city.

Last year’s WHW had such good feedback from participants that the International Table Tennis Federation awarded the 2026 event to Table Tennis England again.

Check out our film below telling the story of the 2025 week, as the Elite Training Centre hosted 40 of the world’s best under-12 players – 20 boys and 20 girls – plus their coaches.

The week began with a training element, held over five intensive days, led by ITTF Head Coaches Eva Jeler and Magnus Mallander. Sessions focused on technical progression, physical improvements, and consistency.

This was complemented by an engaging strength & conditioning workshop led by Dave Hembrough of Table Tennis England partner Sheffield Hallam University, who later also led a play-based warm-up for the players.

Players and coaches also benefited from a dedicated educational session designed to extend learning beyond the table. Paralympian Martin Perry, ITTF Planet Ambassador, delivered an inspiring talk on sustainability and food waste, linking sport with environmental responsibility and community impact.

Sheffield Hallam also delivered a workshop to the coaches from around the world on the physical determinants of success of the youth table tennis athlete – a co-produced workshop for coaches to share experiences, insights and philosophies around the physical preparation of table tennis players.

The week finished with the Challenge competition, as the winners were decided, with Uganda’s Joseph Sebatindira and Kaede Neya of Japan taking the plaudits.

It was not just all about the players and their coaches as there were wider benefits to the England and GB pathways.

Coaches from the wider talent network were invited to experience the week and use it for their own development – with Paul Johnson, Olly Tyndall and Eva Toth all involved.

Sparrers helping out for the week at various points included Zac Greenhough, Peadar Sheridan, Olly Cornish, Rebecca Savage, Jake Davidson, Rebecca Savage and Rachael Iles.

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Your chance to win

Are you a Table Tennis England member? Do you know people who aren’t? You could be in with a chance of winning a Butterfly table with a bespoke London 2026-inspired design by referring them to membership.

Each successful referral gains you an entry into the prize draw, with each person you refer needing to enter your TTID when they sign up.

Ts&Cs apply, find out more by clicking below.