“Every session we run will stay focused on bringing people together, tackling isolation, and making a lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Those are the inspiring words of Juliet Bertie, the Level The Table Award winner in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards.

The award recognises an individual or organisation for outstanding volunteering with underrepresented groups such as ethnically diverse groups, women and girls and Disabled People.

Juliet, of Continental Stars TTC, has worked in partnership to break down barriers to participation in table tennis.

Juliet’s award citation reads:

Juliet Bertie has been a driving force for inclusion in Birmingham through her work at Continental Stars TTC, helping deliver programmes such as Rackets Cubed to support young people from underserved communities. Through her commitment to dismantling barriers to participation, she has created safe, welcoming spaces where table tennis becomes a tool for confidence, belonging and real opportunity.

Juliet, who is also a Level 1 coach and a Table Tennis England Women’s Ambassador, delivers seven core sessions on a weekly basis at the club.

These include on Mondays and Fridays, with the sessions supported by a partnership with The Co-op Membership, who won the Partner of the Year Award. The sessions average between 20 and 30 participants.

There are further sessions on Tuesday evenings, Saturday afternoons and an open play session on Wednesdays.

Juliet and another of the club’s coaches also lead weekly sessions in two Birmingham schools.

“The impact the sessions have on individuals is that it gives people a chance to switch off, get active, and enjoy themselves without pressure,” said Juliet. “We ensure that language and cultural needs are not barriers and that people feel comfortable right away.

“Playing table tennis gets them moving and improves their fitness, but just as importantly, it gives them a space where they can feel safe. As people play and relax, they start opening up about the personal challenges they’re facing, which allows us to step in and support them.

“The Impact on the Club is that it has turned into much more than a sports venue, it makes us a genuine community hub. By creating a warm, inclusive environment, we’ve built deep trust with people from all over Birmingham.

“Our club culture is rooted in listening and looking out for one another, which brings in people who might otherwise never join a traditional sports club.

“Our impact on the wider community is that we actively build social cohesion across Birmingham. We bring people from completely different backgrounds together around a table tennis table, helping to break down isolation and cultural barriers. We’re promoting both physical health and mental well-being, while acting as a connector for those who need extra support.”

Juliet has also seen a personal benefit and she adds: “It has given me a huge sense of purpose. Seeing people walk in feeling isolated or stressed, and watching them gain confidence, laugh, and make friends over a game of table tennis is really rewarding.

“I feel like the mother of the Continental family and it has given me a much deeper understanding of the different challenges people in our city face every day.”

But there is no standing still for Juliet and Continental Stars.

Juliet said: “The next step for me and Continental is to create dedicated pathways for young people across Birmingham to get involved. We want to give them a positive, safe, and active space to spend their time, build their confidence, keep them healthy, and offer them strong role models and leadership opportunities through sport.

“We also are going to focus on breaking down barriers that often stop women and girls from taking part in sport. We are going to offer tailored, comfortable sessions that respect cultural needs to ensure they feel empowered, welcome and fully supported to play, socialise and thrive.

“We plan to work even more closely with local community groups, charities, schools and support agencies. Partnering with others allows us to reach wider audiences and ensures we can connect our players to external support whenever they need it.

“Above all, we will keep using table tennis as more than just a game. It is a tool for mental well-being, community cohesion and social inclusion. Every session we run will stay focused on bringing people together, tackling isolation and making a lasting difference in people’s lives.”