The spirit of community, inclusivity, and dedication was on full display as the table tennis community gathered for Cloud athlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards during the Mark Bates Ltd National Championships in March . Among them were exceptional clubs and individuals from the North East, who earned national recognition for their remarkable contributions to the sport.
National Bounce Club of the Year: Kelham Island Table Tennis Club (Sheffield)
Although a newcomer to the sport, Kelham Island Table Tennis Club has already made a significant impact in Sheffield and beyond. Founded in early 2023 by Simon Athey and Liam Bardell, the club has set a new benchmark for community engagement and inclusivity.
The club welcomes a wide spectrum of players: children with special educational needs (including Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy), refugees and asylum-seekers, and LGBTQ+ youth, among others.
The welcoming and therapeutic environment at Kelham Island provides more than just table tennis—it offers connection, confidence-building, and well-being. Community partners such as SayIt and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust have praised the club’s impact on young people’s physical and mental health.
Jenny Featherstone of the NHS Foundation Trust described it as “a step on from therapy, a chance to excel in sport,” while SayIt’s Dan Hadley praised the club’s “extraordinary commitment to inclusivity.”
Volunteer of the Year Winner: Andy Chapman (Community Table Tennis Club, Leeds)
Andy Chapman, the heart and soul behind Community Table Tennis Club (CTTC) in Leeds, was shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year for his transformational work in revitalizing local table tennis. Disheartened by the exclusivity of many clubs, Andy co-founded CTTC in July 2023 with a vision of making the sport accessible to all.
In under two years, Andy’s leadership helped grow the club to 90 members from across diverse age groups, ethnicities, and abilities. CTTC now features tailored support for individuals with Parkinson’s, stroke survivors, transplant recipients, and those with mental health challenges.
Andy’s contributions span from coaching and mentoring to logistical efforts such as managing the club’s website, coordinating multiple weekly sessions, and setting up league teams. His tireless work culminated in a club awards ceremony that honoured 40 members, with Andy receiving the highest accolade for his “greatest overall contribution.”
Young Volunteer of the Year Runner-Up: Anees Khan (Bradford)
At just 13 years old, Anees Khan is already a powerful advocate for the game. Representing both Baildon Table Tennis Club and Bradford Grammar School, Anees won the U13 West Yorkshire Championship and contributes 10 hours a week to practicing and mentoring others.
Despite living with partial deafness and caring responsibilities at home, Anees has turned table tennis into a source of strength and inspiration. He has introduced over 30 young people to the sport and promotes table tennis through lunchtime and after-school clubs.
A highlight of his volunteerism was his role in the Yorkshire Rotary Accessible Games, where he trained and encouraged disabled participants across age groups. His empathy and energy drew high praise from participants, organisers, and the District Governor of Rotary in Yorkshire.
The North East continues to be a beacon of community spirit in table tennis. These nominations not only represent excellence in sport but also demonstrate how dedication and inclusivity can change lives.