The Jose Ransome Fund, set up in memory of Jose and reflecting her commitment to fostering equality in the sport, is launched today.

It will award grants of up to £500 to support opportunities for women and girls in table tennis – and applications are now open.

Alongside the Fund, a new Pride of Table Tennis award reflecting outstanding contribution to women and girls’ table tennis will be inaugurated in 2027. It will be open to volunteers and clubs or community projects.

Jose, a former Chair of the English Table Tennis Women & Girls Committee, died earlier this year aged 92.

Her husband Alan Ransome OBE, an Honorary Life Member and former Chair of Table Tennis England (then known as the ETTA), who worked closely with Jose on her programmes, will be part of the panel awarding grants and will also be involved in selecting the Pride of Table Tennis winner.

The Jose Ransome Fund aims to create a long-term legacy that reflects Jose’s impact on the sport.

It aims to:

• Increase participation opportunities for women and girls
• Support individual development across playing, coaching and volunteering
• Strengthen local club and community provision

Applications are open to any current Table Tennis England member and clubs, leagues, or organisations affiliated to TTE.

Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting women and girls in table tennis and the Fund can award grants towards the following:

• Supporting women and girls to start or continue playing
• Coaching qualifications or development opportunities
• Volunteer training and development
• Equipment or facility costs linked to women and girls’ activity
• Projects that grow or sustain female participation at club/community level

Grants will normally be up to £500, although requests above this amount may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Applications can be made via the form below.

Table Tennis England will work in partnership with Alan Ransome OBE and Ormesby TTC in Middlesbrough to administer the Fund.

About Jose Ransome

Jose, a former Chair of the English Table Tennis Women & Girls Committee, passed away peacefully in hospital on 20 May, aged 92. Click here to read her obituary.

Among many other achievements in the sport, Jose as committee chair was responsible for the introduction of the Women’s British League (now British Clubs League), making the aims of the Fund particularly appropriate.  

The Fund, set up at the suggestion of Jose’s family members in Canada, will use an existing crowdfunding programme which was used to assist with the Ormesby club’s facility development.