As we reflect on the last 12 months across the South East, it has been a year marked by strong partnerships, growing participation and a continued focus on creating positive, inclusive experiences within table tennis.

Activity across the region has been shaped by several key strands of work, each contributing to a stronger, more connected table tennis landscape.

Participation and Community Engagement

Over the past year, participation has continued to grow across schools, clubs, leisure centres and community venues. Delivery through Ping in the Community has enabled table tennis to reach new audiences, particularly those who may not traditionally engage with organised sport.

Across the South East, this has included community-based activity delivered in partnership with organisations such as Everyone Active, local authorities and leisure trusts. Informal sessions in leisure centres and community spaces in areas including Worthing and East Sussex have helped create regular, welcoming opportunities for people to play socially and build confidence.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/development/ping-in-the-community/

Schools have remained a vital entry point for young people. Over the last year, increased engagement from primary and secondary schools has been supported through equipment advice, links to local clubs and introductory delivery. Schools in areas such as Dorking, Crawley and Hastings have seen growing interest from pupils looking to continue playing beyond the school setting.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/schools/

A key focus throughout has been ensuring that first experiences of table tennis connect clearly to local, sustainable opportunities.

Developing People Through Ping Aspire

The Ping Aspire programme has once again had a strong impact across the South East, supporting young people who demonstrate both enthusiasm and potential within table tennis. Over the last 12 months, Ping Aspire activity has provided structured, high-quality opportunities for players to develop their technical skills, confidence and understanding of the sport within a supportive, player-centred environment.

In the South East, Ping Aspire sessions have been delivered at venues including Kintbury Table Tennis Club, Tackleway TTC, Milton Keynes TTC and Thanet Vikings Table Tennis Club, with players attending from across the whole area. These sessions have been well attended and consistently supported by coaches and parents, highlighting the value of clear progression opportunities for players at this stage of their development.

The programme has continued to play an important role in bridging the gap between early participation and regular club or competition activity, while reinforcing positive behaviours, motivation and enjoyment. Ping Aspire has also provided valuable alignment across clubs, supporting coaches to work collaboratively and deliver consistent messages to young players and their families.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/development/ping-aspire/

Club Development and Volunteer Support

Clubs across the South East continue to play a central role in sustaining and growing the sport. Over the last 12 months, support has focused on helping clubs develop in areas such as facilities, equipment, volunteer capacity and long-term sustainability.

This has included ongoing engagement with clubs such as Worthing Table Tennis Club, Thanet Vikings TTC and Kintbury TTC, supporting conversations around junior development, community links and inclusive practice.

Clubs have also been signposted to national support, resources and funding opportunities to help strengthen their offer and respond to increasing demand.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/clubs/

Volunteers remain essential to the delivery of table tennis activity, and a consistent theme this year has been ensuring volunteers feel supported, confident and valued in their roles.

Coach Learning and Development

Coach learning and development has been a strong strand of work across the South East. Over the last year, a range of coach education courses and CPD opportunities have been delivered, supporting coaches working in clubs, schools and community settings.

This has included Activator courses delivered for teachers and community deliverers in Brighton and through Everyone Active, alongside bespoke CPD workshops focused on player-centred coaching, inclusion and creating positive learning environments.

The Coaching the Whole Player approach, underpinned by the 5Cs, has continued to resonate with coaches, particularly those supporting young people and new players.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/coaches/

An increasing emphasis on reflection and ongoing learning has supported coaches to continually develop their practice and improve the quality of experiences for players.

Strengthening Links with Education

Engagement with schools and education partners has continued to grow, with increased interest in how table tennis can support wider outcomes such as confidence, engagement and wellbeing.

Work with PE leads and teachers has focused on curriculum delivery, equipment guidance and staff development opportunities. This has helped schools embed table tennis more sustainably within their PE offer and strengthen links with local clubs.

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/teachers/

Looking Ahead: Opportunities in the Year Ahead

Looking ahead, there is significant opportunity to build on this momentum, particularly with the World Table Tennis Championships taking place in London. This major event provides a powerful platform to inspire interest and raise the profile of table tennis across the South East.

Key priorities for the coming year include:

• Supporting clubs and schools to capitalise on increased interest generated by the World Championships
• Creating simple, welcoming entry points for new players, coaches and volunteers
• Aligning local delivery with national campaigns and event-inspired activity

🔗 https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/world-championships/

The World Championships present an opportunity not only to showcase world-class performance, but to highlight table tennis as an inclusive, accessible sport with opportunities for everyone — from social play to competition and volunteering.

Conclusion

The past 12 months in the South East have demonstrated the impact of strong partnerships, collaborative working and a shared commitment to positive experiences. While there is still more to do, the foundations in place are strong.

As the region looks ahead, the focus remains on supporting people, strengthening pathways and creating environments where table tennis can continue to thrive — from schools and community spaces to clubs and competitions.