I thought I would use this month’s area blog to discuss the importance of volunteers and workforce as it seems to have been a consistent theme in terms of some of the East area projects and initiatives that have come to fruition recently. Whilst Woodbridge Table Tennis Club and their team of volunteers continue to do an outstanding job in activating the Woodbridge Ping Hub, there have been several other examples of fantastic work taking place in the area in this space. This includes:

Ping Pong Social (Hertfordshire)

A huge congratulations to Tony Ward from the SHAW League, for organising and running the 2nd Ping Pong Social Event at the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City during the October half term break. The feedback was the event was very well attended, with participants showing interest in taking part in the local league, which is fantastic! Well done Tony!

Junior Umpires Course (Bedfordshire)

On Monday 10th November, Table Tennis England, Kempston Academy and Be Active came together to facilitate a Junior Umpires course in Bedford, to support with the delivery of the School Games between Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st November. A huge thanks to Gav Fordham (Kempston Academy), Nicky Ward (Be Active) and Esteban Bernasconi (Bedford Table Tennis Club) for their help in coordinating this opportunity.

Essex Boys & Girls Clubs (Essex)

On Wednesday 12th November, Essex Boys and Girls Clubs and Table Tennis England came together to host a TTE Activator course, for leaders and young leaders of youth clubs in Essex to attend to help upskill and embed table tennis sessions in clubs across the county. This work is very much in the early stages but thanks to George Sokhi from Essex B&GC’s in establishing this opportunity.

L1 Umpires Course (Northamptonshire)

If you fancy qualifying as an umpire, there are still a few spaces remaining on our L1 Umpires course in Northamptonshire at Highfield Table Tennis Club in Wellingborough. For more information, please click the link opposite (https://tabletennisengland.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/3125/home). Registrations close at the end of January.

With the above in mind, Pride of Table Tennis Awards are currently open and accepting nominations. Do you know an amazing volunteer who deserves honouring for their selfless commitment to our sport? If so, submit a nomination by the deadline of 5pm on Friday 12th December.

Pride of Table Tennis Awards 25/26 open for nominations

Best Wishes

Chris