Welcome to the latest South West Area update
This period has been all about building connections and strengthening partnerships – from developing school links to exploring new community collaborations. Across the area, clubs, leagues and partners are working together to create more opportunities to play, learn and enjoy table tennis.
What’s happening in the West of England hosted by WESPORT
Area Manager Amanda Leonard attended an NGB Meeting hosted by WESPORT, where attendees were briefed on the new universal funding for place-based working and WESPORT’s priority areas for supporting community physical activity – including Weston-super-Mare South Ward, South Gloucestershire and focus work in Bristol.
Other key areas covered included the West of England Skills Plan, the Sports Welfare Officers Directory, and details of upcoming forums around Women and Girls, Neurodiversity and Mental Health.
As part of building these links, Amanda will also be attending the Bristol Active Communities Network, connecting with local partners to identify potential resources, community assets, access to harder to reach groups and local needs. This insight will help shape future projects and delivery plans – ultimately opening doors to deliver more table tennis opportunities and recruiting life long fans of the sport.
Connecting through sport in Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire, Amanda met with the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation to explore opportunities for joint working. Plans include delivering table tennis sessions within their Time 2 Move school holiday programme, and developing future projects for people with a disability, using both table tennis and table cricket (played on a table tennis table). There was also discussion of utilising cricket club facilities.
The next steps will be to work with the Gloucestershire Table Tennis Association to explore the opportunities further. These initial discussions are a great example of the potential of sports coming together to share resources, expertise and enthusiasm – and helping more people get active in new and creative ways.
Strengthening links in Somerset
In Somerset, Amanda attended a Somerset Active Partnership Physical Activity Network meeting, engaging with a range of partners and learning more about Somerset’s new coastal area funding, including opportunities around Bridgwater.
As a result, Amanda will be meeting with SASP Activators to provide table tennis training and explore how the sport can be embedded in their programmes. Plans are also in place to deliver Teacher CPD sessions, helping schools confidently introduce table tennis to their pupils. The next steps will be work with the local Clubs and Somerset Table Tennis Association to see how to build pathways into the local clubs.
Building school and community links in Cornwall
In Cornwall, collaboration with the Cornwall Table Tennis Association, local clubs and leagues continues to strengthen links with schools and education partners.
Building on a handful of excellent existing school–club partnerships – Cape Cornwall, Brannel School and Bude, planning is underway for an Inclusive Festival, School Games activity, Teacher Training, attendance at a Primary School Conference and Young Leader training – all designed to grow participation and create lasting connections between schools and clubs.
Success story: Callington school link takes off
In Callington, collaboration is already producing impressive results. Martin Hynes of Plymouth CTTP and Graham Pearson of Plymouth Joola have established a new school link where table tennis is now embedded into the school curriculum.
The project plans include Young Leader training, in-service CPD for staff, and a Primary School Festival on the horizon – a brilliant showcase of what’s possible when the right partnerships are formed.
Even more excitingly, Martin is exploring expansion plans, with major local employer Ginsters Pasties expressing interest in supporting and funding the project’s growth.
Inclusion in action at Cheltenham Table Tennis Club
At Cheltenham Table Tennis Club, Tim Mytton has launched a new session for adults with a learning disability, creating a friendly, supportive environment for participants to enjoy the sport.
To build understanding and strengthen links, Amanda attended a Mencap & Special Olympics training day – a valuable opportunity to explore barriers to participation, share solutions and connect with other organisations committed to inclusion.
These initiatives are helping to ensure that table tennis truly is a sport for everyone.
A focus on networking and schools provision
It has been fantastic to see so many clubs and leagues across the South West actively linking with schools to grow participation.
Plymouth Joola is working with a network of Catholic schools to provide tasters and clear pathways into the club. The Stroud Table Tennis League continues to run a comprehensive schools programme, including tasters, hub sites and festivals, while supporting table tennis in a new school.
Meanwhile, Kennet Vale TTC is exploring opportunities to expand using a school site, strengthening its community base.
If you are developing your own school link or would like to explore how to start one, please get in touch – together we can share ideas, build partnerships and create more ways for young people to discover table tennis across the South West.
Why not get involved? – Upcoming Courses
Level 1 Coaching Course – Plymouth
Dates: 8th November and 18th January
A few places remaining – sign up deadline Sunday 26th October.
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
Date & Time: 30th November – 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Cost: £39
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 December (online)
Time: 6:30–9:00pm
Cost: £30 per person
Book your place on the TO2 course here
Get in touch
If you have any questions, are interested in courses or would like to highlight a project that you are proud of, please get in touch. Contact Amanda Leonard – Area Manager (South West)
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