The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Programme is embarking on its 15th year!

The partnership between the Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) and Table Tennis England is one of London and Essex’s most successful youth-sport collaborations, extending opportunities for young people aged 11 to 19 to learn, compete and thrive through table tennis.

Over the last 14 years, the programme has provided more than 100,000 young people with the chance to pick up a bat, get active, connect with others and reach their potential through the sport.

The aim for the next two years of our partnership programme aligns closely with the Jack Petchey Foundation’s new strategy, maximising reach to new areas and ensuring that all young people, whatever their background or circumstance, have access to inclusive activities and opportunities to achieve their potential.

Peta Cubberley, Partnerships Manager at JPF said: “As a sport, table tennis embraces our values of inclusivity and accessibility, and whether young people play for fun or in competitions, the game promotes physical activity, skills development and fair play. Our long-standing relationship with Table Tennis England continues Sir Jack Petchey’s generous support and vision for table tennis in schools and youth clubs.”

Johnathon Driscoll, London Area Manager, Table Tennis England, said: “The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Programme can make a real difference to young people’s lives. By providing opportunities where they’re needed most, we can help young people build confidence, feel part of something positive, and discover their potential — both on and off the table tennis court.”

A two-year approach for lasting change

This two-year programme creates more time for schools and youth organisations to embed activity and measure impact.

• Year 1 (2025/26): Expands access through the Table Donation Scheme — more than 250 new tables and equipment packages for schools and youth clubs running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme will be distributed, with priority given to those in areas of greatest need. This will run alongside the ever-popular Jack Petchey London and Essex Schools Competitions.
  
• Year 2 (2026/27): A further 255 table and equipment packages for schools and youth clubs will be distributed, alongside running the London and Essex Schools’ competitions. In addition, Table Tennis England will deliver teacher and youth-leader training, development competitions and a dedicated Girls’ Festival to further embed table tennis into everyday school life.

This year we will focus on:

• Communities ranked IMD 1-4 (the most deprived quartiles)
• SEND schools and inclusive settings
• Organisations actively promoting girls’ participation

Working with partners, local councils and disability organisations, the programme will extend opportunities to the young people who benefit most from accessible, low-cost activity.

Building on last year’s success

In the 14th year of the programme, we reached thousands of young people across London and Essex.

Highlights included:

• 237 tables donated to schools and youth clubs (76% to first-time recipients)
• 1,215 young people competed across county qualifiers and finals
• 120 girls engaged through the Girls’ Programme and Festival
• Development Competitions gave students their first table tennis competition experience
• 88% of participants reporting increased confidence and self-belief
• Net Promoter Score +62, showing exceptional enjoyment and recommendation

Table tennis’ impact in schools

Table tennis is simple to start, social by nature and inclusive for all abilities – a sport that breaks down barriers and brings people together.

Feedback from teachers and players routinely highlight the impact the tables have in the playground and in PE lessons.

For example, the PE lead at an Essex academy said: “We’ve noticed a real change in how students mix – table tennis has broken down barriers between year groups and created new friendships across the school.”

While another teacher at a London Secondary School said: “Lunchtimes have become a real attraction – students have a welcoming space to unwind, meet friends and play together. The sense of fun and connection is incredible.”

It offers young people a safe, positive space to be active, learn new skills and build resilience both on and off the table. For example, a Year 9 participant said: “Playing in the Jack Petchey competition made me feel part of something bigger – I’ve made friends from other schools and want to keep improving.

Looking ahead

As the new academic period begins, Table Tennis England and the Jack Petchey Foundation remain committed to nurturing young people’s potential. We will continue to use table tennis to inspire confidence, leadership and connection in line with Sir Jack’s belief that “every young person has the ability to achieve if given the opportunity”.

Together, we will continue to build on 15 years of success and keep opening doors through table tennis.

Get involved

Table Donation Scheme

Schools and youth organisations signed up to the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme can now apply for the Table Donation Scheme.

Click here for more information and to fill in the application form, or contact us for further information.

Competitions

For competition details and further information on the programme, please click here.

Not part of the Achievement Award Scheme? Please contact the Jack Petchey Foundation directly for information on how to join.