The South West hits Nottingham at the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards
The Table Tennis Community of the South West is talented, dedicated, passionate, collaborative, adaptable and a lot of fun. I had great pleasure to attend the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis, where the South West was very well represented. It was great to connect people with so much in common, there was a great deal discussion, banter and laughter amongst the celebrations.
Congratulations to those who got through to the national nominations; Jim Hurford and Cliff Jordan representing the Stroud and District League, Nick Davidson who won the South West Coach of the Year.
Congratulations to the winners from the South West;- David May of St Just Primary School for School of the Year, Chris Ballet of Mencap – Our Active Community for winning Partner of the Year and Craig Mehew of St Austell Table Tennis Club for winning the Levelling the Table Award.
Check out the video of the events which captures the essence of the awards and includes interviews with the winners.
Also at the Nationals Steve Pratt of Portishead Table Tennis Club was presented with the prestigious Ivor Montagu Award. To find out more about Steve’s contributions to Table Tennis follow the link.
A great result for the South West, with so many people involved in developing Table Tennis across the area, I think that we can do even better next year?
Clubs getting creative and social on Facebook
I have been enjoying club’s Facebook posts that show off the differing personalities of our very special clubs. Favourites this week have been:-
The fantastic video of Karenza, Ken and Friends smashing their 24 hour Table Tennis Challenge raising funds for Cancer Research UK. What an achievement raising £9,500 at the time of publishing. For details of how to donate and to Watch the video
Torbay Table Tennis Academy Easter Grand Prix was a great success with bunny hops, the odd Easter Egg and funky video to share the fun.
Creekside Table Tennis Club posted a video of their recent end of season Curry and Ceilidh, they can certainly move, it must be the sea air!
Did you know? The Table Tennis Development Team have a Facebook page with a growing community. Please join us by giving us a like and follow.
If you have any events or stories that you’d like to share please tag us by tagging us in the post or comments @Table Tennis England Development or @TTEDevelopment
New 1 star Tournaments in Portishead and West Cornwall
Portishead 1 star Junior and Cadet Rating Tournament
The first Portishead junior and cadet, held on the 29th March had a full entry and a waiting list. Evidence of the need, with participants travelling as far away as the North East and North Cornwall. A fantastic collaboration between Portishead TTC, Cheltenham TTC and Bristol TTA. All credit to everyone involved in particular Nick Davidson as Tournament Organiser and Lesley Slack the referee.
West Cornwall 1 Star 27th April
Registration has now closed for the first 1 Star to be held in Cornwall. Supported by Devon and players travelling from Bristol. This is a partnership between West Cornwall and Table Tennis England, with Kelly Plumb and I putting our new Tournament Organiser Level 2 Awards to action. Special thanks to Kelly who brings a depth of knowledge and experience and has undertaken the brunt of the organisation.
An exciting opportunity – the fourth South West Area Training Camp in Cornwall
Led by Nick Davidson (Level 3 Coach) and to be held on Sunday 11th at The Cornwall Table Tennis Centre in St Austell.
As the event is at the edge of the area and country, we will open up registration to any Under 19’s players wishing to improve their play. They need to be able to have a grasp of the basics and have consistency. As this training will build on their techniques and introduce them to the tactical aspects of the game.
Follow the link for further details and to register
Please share with any players who you feel would benefit from the Training Camp.
Upcoming Training Courses
Coach CPD – Theory Workshop at the WTT Feeder Event – 26th April
Included in the price is a ticket to the WTT Feeder event. With just a few places left for more details and to sign up follow the link.
Coaches Training and Networking Event – 10th May – Cornwall Table Tennis Centre
The venue is booked at Cornwall Table Tennis Centre on Saturday 10th May. Nick Davidson Level 3 Coach and Coach Educator will be delivering a practical day of learning. Topics and registration are yet to be finalised and all feedback is welcome.
Suggested topics so far include introducing multi-ball, getting the basics right, how do we develop talent, coaching the whole athlete, developing a quiver of serves and preparing players for introducing the tactical game.
We are also looking for hosts in other areas of the area.
Further details and to register here.
Level 1 Umpire Award – Taunton, Somerset – 7th June, 2025
Sign up to learn more about the rules of the sport and support your Table Tennis community to run tournaments. For further details and to register on the course.
11 people have sign up so far.
Special thanks to Somerset Table Tennis Association for hosting the event.
Level 1 Coaching Course – Nailsworth, Gloucestershire – 18th May, 2025
If you or anyone you know would like to become a coach and help to develop table tennis, the Level 1 Coaching Course is for you. Special thanks to Nailsworth Phoenix and the Stroud Table Tennis League for hosting the course.
The course is suitable for players over 16, if you know any potential coaches. We have two under 18’s already signed up. It looks great on a young person’s CV, could provide a part time job, helps them develop their own game and helps to get them into volunteering and coaching.
15 people have already signed up, which is great.
For further details and to register on the course.
South West Development Webinars
Safeguarding and Welfare Sessions – 1st July 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm – in partnership with Active Cornwall’s Sports Welfare Officer Cara Bache-Jeffreys.
Watch this space or contact us below for further details.
Also in the pipeline:-
“Become a Premier Club”
“How to Create a Club Development Plan” aimed at Club volunteers wishing to plan for the future.
“Grants – demystifying and confidence building” aimed at first time or novice applicants, not quite sure where to start.
“Grants – a master class including how Table Tennis delivers social benefits”
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)