The new season is here, and with it comes that familiar sense of excitement as leagues, training sessions, and competition calendars kick into gear. It always feels like a fresh beginning — a chance to set new goals, reconnect with old friends, and welcome new faces into the sport.
Out and About in Somerset
This month I travelled to The Lawns, Minehead and the West Somerset League — a small but spirited club nestled between Exmoor and the sea. Getting there means winding country lanes from every direction, reflective of much of the South West: beautiful, rural, but often a little isolated.
The club itself is based in a well-loved small hall, just big enough to hold four tables. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the junior members were clearly enthusiastic about their training. Barbara Parker, the League Secretary (and wearer of many hats), set the tone with her generosity of spirit. Laurie Chalk, the club coach, raised an important point: the lack of competitive opportunities for young players in the area — a challenge I’ll be taking forward to explore with the wider Somerset table tennis community.
It was also great to hear that Age UK groups make use of the same hall to play table tennis, showing how the sport is bringing together players of all generations under one roof.
Kennet Vale TTC is thriving
with membership now over 100 and junior participation on the rise. Their growth has helped expand the Devizes League from 24 to 30 teams this season.
Eleven New Coaches in Dorset
Dorset’s coaching strength more than doubled as 11 candidates successfully qualified through a Level 1 course in Bournemouth. 17 Coaches in total took attended. Congratulations to Mike Langford and the team at the Bournemouth and District TTA.
Follow the link for the full article Eleven new coaches in Dorset – Table Tennis England
The next Level 1 in the South West is in Plymouth starting on November 8th November. For more information and to book on please follow the link.
PING MIND Pilot – Week 1
September also marked the launch of the PING MIND Pilot in South Cornwall. Over the next 10 weeks, we’ll be blending the technical, tactical, and physical elements of table tennis with an equal focus on psychology — helping young players develop tools not only for sport, but for everyday life.
Week 1 gave us a chance to meet the players, set the scene, and complete baseline surveys including the Athlete Coping Skills Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Next week, we’ll turn to goal setting — a key step in helping players take ownership of their development.
Follow the link for the full article
Upcoming Physical Activity Networking Events
- Bristol – October
- Somerset – October
These events will be a great chance to connect with partners across sport and physical activity, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the South West. Bring together our knowledge of Table Tennis and partners who can help us widen access and grow the sport.
Upcoming Courses
Level 1 Coaching Course – Plymouth
8th November and 18th January
If you or member of your club are over 16 and interested in taking the first steps into coaching and leading sessions this is the course for you.
Follow the link for further details and to register.
Multi-Ball Coaching CPD Workshop
30th November
9.00 am to 1.00 pm
A high energy practical session full of tips and advice for coaches in skill development through the use of multi-ball.
For further information and to sign up.
TO2 Course
If you’ve ever wanted to run top-quality competitions with confidence, this one’s for you! The Tournament Organiser Level 2 (TO2) Course will give you the skills and knowledge to plan, promote, and deliver successful events at local and regional level.
Date: 17th November 2025 & 1st November (online)
Time: 6:30–9:00pm
Cost: £30 per person
Book your place on the TO2 course here
Staying in touch
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