Area Manager South West – Amanda Leonard
As you may be aware I started work for Table Tennis England at the beginning of January and I’ve spent the month learning as much as I can about the sport, it’s clubs, leagues, County Associations, volunteers, and coaches. Each table tennis community is so unique, reflecting the communities around them and each has its own story, a history which has been fascinating to learn about.
I have met with some of the ‘movers and shakers of the sport,’ they have generously given their time and shared their knowledge and insights. A couple of things that I have learnt so far:-
- Table Tennis People ‘Eat Sleep and Drink’ the sport.
- Volunteers in Table Tennis wear many many many hats!
- That Table Tennis can be played anywhere.
- Table Tennis is a very special sport with a unique ability to engage.
Things that are not a surprise to you, I’m sure.
This is an ongoing process of building a picture of what’s happening across the area. I’m looking forward to connecting with many more of you over the coming months.
Please get in touch to tell me about the good things happening in your Table Tennis community or if you feel that you would like support.
What’s been happening in the South West?
Launch of Malmesbury Table Tennis Club
I was thrilled to be invited to the Grand Opening by Marie-Claire Evans, the driving force behind this exciting new club. https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/vets-stars-showcase-their-skills-as-new-club-opens/
Devon Schools Tournament
What a busy time across the area with School Competitions. Congratulations to all the pupils who progressed and to the organisers. I hope that everyone enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed the Devon Schools tournament.
The Devon Senior Schools Individual Championships and Team zone finals were held at Eggbuckland Community College on 31st of January, 2024. 17 schools attended and there were 131 competitors.
During the latter stages of the competition, there was enthusiastic support from teammates which added to the atmosphere.
Graham Pearson and the Team at Joola were the organisers and the event ran seamlessly.
Upcoming
Coaching Courses
Are you interested in becoming a coach or developing your coaching further?
Level 1 Coach Courses
Cornwall Table Tennis Centre 28th April & 30th June – Organised by Kelly Plumb
Nailsworth Table Tennis Club, Stroud 26th May & 7th July – Organised by Cliff Jordan
Level 2 Coach
Bristol SGS College 13th July, 14th July & 7th September – Tutor Emma Harridine
Few of these take place and so if you wish to progress your coaching, please consider this course.
For more information on Coaching Courses https://tabletennisengland.sport80.com/widget/tte_coach_course_widget
Stroud TTC – TT Kidz
The Team at Stroud TTC and the wider Gloucestershire area already run an engaging and far-reaching Junior programme. In January Cliff Jordan of Nailsworth Phoenix started an after-school club with numbers reaching 18.
Jim Murford has organised 4 TT Kidz sessions to start in March. https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/events/category/tt-kidz-programme/list/?tribe-bar-location=stroud
