Do you know a school which provides a great experience of table tennis for its pupils? Nominate them now in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards!

School of the Year is just one of the 12 categories in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards and nominations are currently open.

Many people’s first experience of table tennis is at school, and they might also take their first competitive steps in that environment, so schools play a vital role in the table tennis landscape.

Sharing last year’s School of the Year Award were St Just Primary School in Cornwall and Patcham High School in Brighton.

St Just Primary, which is situated seven miles from Land’s End, provides regular planned table tennis for its pupils.

All 60 Year 5 and 6 pupils had weekly coaching on six tables in four groups of 15. The children love their sessions and look forward to it every week. The school also has tables in the playground.

About 20 children, selected by ability, special circumstances and attitude, then practised in After-School Club on Friday. The special circumstances include helping Ukrainian children and combatting social deprivation.

There is still another level as the most talented then graduate to training with Cape Cornwall Table Tennis Club on Monday evenings.

The Under-11 girls team played in the South West Area Schools Team event in Plymouth in January. All of these girls have played in West Cornwall League events and former pupils now play for the club.

The school totally supports table tennis, allowing free use of the hall, supporting with all communication with parents, and funding travel.

Every child manages to play the game to a level where there is real enjoyment. Even more noticeable is the number of girls playing regular table tennis, often competitively, and to a good standard.

David May, who coaches at the school, said: “This award has really contributed to the further development of table tennis in the school and at Cape TTC.

“Getting TV coverage on BBC South West hugely added to the effect of winning this award. I’ve lived in the wonderful community of St Just for over 30 years, but suddenly I was inundated with positive comments about what we were achieving.

“Now, it seems almost everyone in a town of five thousand, knows about us. Anywhere I went, there were congratulations.

“More importantly, the children we coach every week now are clamouring not only to play more often, but to become better at the sport, and to join the club and play competitively.”

If you know any schools which deserve to be recognised, then nominate them before 12 January.

There are 11 other categories in the Cloudathlete Pride of Table Tennis Awards, covering officials, clubs, leagues, coaches and more – including the blue riband Volunteer of the year and Young Volunteer of the Year awards.

Get your nominations in now!