This month has been an exhilarating journey as we’ve laid vital groundwork, fostered meaningful community connections, and shaped the vision for how table tennis can thrive in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Surrey—and beyond.

Championing School Sport with YST
We joined the Youth Sport Trust summit to champion school sport and highlight the power of table tennis in educational settings. This landmark summit, guided by themes of Lead Well, Move Well, and Live Well, showcased how sport can boost students’ wellbeing and learning.
At the summit, we unveiled collaboration with YST on a strategic development piece aimed at expanding school table tennis nationwide. The commitment from both partners—dedicated to growing participation and building pathways—signals a new era for table tennis in educational contexts.

Community Magic: Ping Pong, Parkinson’s & Positivity
Lewes saw the launch of a weekly session bringing table tennis to folks living with Parkinson’s. Organized in partnership with the Lewes & District Parkinson’s Support Group, Claire Carroll, Ping in the Community, and Parkinson’s UK, the initiative offers more than physical activity—it’s a hub of laughter, support, and healing.
Participants are reporting remarkable benefits:

“The camaraderie is great – we’re full up every week… and our friend Roger… plays for 10 or 20 minutes without a problem.”

This is grassroots sport at its best—welcoming, liberating, life-enhancing. These sessions have already become a staple for local wellbeing.

Planning and Partnerships
Behind the scenes, there’s been concerted planning for the next two years.
Work continues to identify a suitable venue in Milton Keynes to establish a flagship Ping Hub. This hub will offer a central, inclusive space for casual play, community sessions, and wider engagement.
We’re also actively developing partnerships across Buckinghamshire and Surrey, including schools, community organisations, and health and wellbeing networks. Our conversations with stakeholders—from local authorities to leisure trusts—have been overwhelmingly positive. There’s shared energy around using table tennis to connect communities, improve wellbeing, and build social cohesion.

Reflections on a Transformative Month
Strategic partnerships with organisations like YST and Parkinson’s UK are giving table tennis new purpose—from PE halls to wellbeing communities.
The Lewes group’s success proves the power of sport to connect and uplift, beyond competition.
With venues being scoped and partners aligned, we’re entering a new chapter—where table tennis is not just a sport, but a powerful catalyst for connection and community.

Let’s keep the ball rolling—and the community thriving.