You might think the end of the competitive table tennis season means everything goes quiet—but not here at Table Tennis England! Behind the scenes, we’re using the closed season to reflect, refresh and reimagine how we support our clubs, schools and communities for the year ahead.
This is the perfect time to ask: How can we make table tennis more welcoming, more visible, and more accessible to more people? And how can we ensure that clubs and schools—the beating heart of our sport—have the tools they need to thrive?
We’re already making moves…
Growing Opportunities for Young Players
One key focus is making it easier for clubs to get involved in Cadet and Junior British Clubs League (BCL). Our new guide breaks it all down—so whether you’re a club entering for the first time or looking to grow your junior section, you’ll know exactly how to get started. Check it out here.
This is all part of a wider look at how we can strengthen the competition offer for young players and make the entry points into our sport more inclusive and exciting.
Positive Signs in Participation
There’s more good news. The latest Sport England Active Lives Survey (2025) showed that participation in table tennis is on the rise—a real boost for the whole table tennis family. Whether it’s casual ping pong in community spaces or more structured club activity, people are picking up bats and getting involved. It’s a sign that the work we’re all doing—together—is making a difference.
And with more clubs engaging local schools, running after-school sessions, or linking up with community venues, we’re starting to build real momentum.
Spotlight on the Sport
It’s not just on the tables where the action’s happening. We’ve seen some fantastic stories getting national attention. Just this month:
- A signed Commonwealth Games shirt from Birmingham 2022 is now proudly on display in the Milton Keynes Mayor’s Parlour – a brilliant way to celebrate our sport’s legacy and share it with the local community. Read more here.
- Paralympic ace Bly Twomey showed off her skills on BBC’s Blue Peter—an inspiring moment that brought table tennis into homes across the country. Catch the story here.
These are the kinds of stories that show table tennis at its best—inclusive, fun, and full of potential.
What’s Next?
Over the summer, we’ll be working closely with clubs, schools and partners to shape our support packages, resources and entry-level opportunities—particularly with an eye on engaging more girls, more diverse communities, and more beginners. We know that small changes—better marketing, clearer pathways, improved volunteer support—can make a big difference.
If you’re a club or coach with ideas or barriers you’re facing, we want to hear from you. Let’s build something even better, together.
Stay tuned for more updates—and if you haven’t already, make sure you’re signed up for our Club and Coach newsletters so you don’t miss a thing.
The break may be brief—but the work never stops. Let’s make the next season our best yet.