TT Kidz puts the emphasis on fun and developing skills at children’s own pace – and the reaction from parents and grandparents has been overwhelmingly positive.

We asked parents and grandparents whose children took part in our TT Kidz Festivals around the country what they thought of the revamped initiative – and they told us they were impressed with what they saw.

One mum of a child taking part in the Portsmouth Festival said: “The coaches showed a lot of patience and I thought it was a good mix really – lots of fun, the coaches were really engaging with them. Definitely recommend it.”

The dad of a boy taking part at Wensum TTC in Norwich said: “It’s just an all-round good sport for motor skills, for the brain, keeps them active, keeps them energised. I’m really glad this is happening in our area. All the kids here today are having really, really good fun. They’ve all been really active, really engaged and having a good time.”

Another said: “They’ve loved it, I would definitely recommend it. If you look around, you’ll see everyone smiling and having a good laugh, it’s just been really positive for them.”

A grandmother who brought her grandson to the Wensum Festival said: “I’d definitely recommend it, they’re having great fun – I can see the smiles on their faces.”

A dad at the Portsmouth Festival said: “Knowing this is run by Table Tennis England gives us a lot of confidence. It’s been well run, well organised and obviously we’ve got everybody who’s DBS checked as well. So it feels like a safe environment.”

TT Kidz is our programme to give 7-to-11-year-olds a fun and inspiring introduction to table tennis.

Our beginner-friendly programme gives parents, guardians and carers a simple and reassuring way to introduce their children to table tennis, with a clear route into club membership for those who want to continue playing regularly.

Lauren Evans, who leads on TT Kidz for Table Tennis England, said: “The emphasis is on creating a pathway where every child can have fun and progress at their own pace.

“It means children can come from any background and have any level of ability and still be sure to enjoy a modern, fun programme.

“We’re aiming to give children a positive first experience of our sport. Playing a sport like table tennis gives children confidence, a sense of achievement, and it helps them with a sense of belonging and somewhere to connect with their friends and family.”

TT Kidz will initially be delivered exclusively by PremierClubs, who will receive the programme resources for free, with the programme to be expanded into schools and community organisations at a later date.

PremierClubs can sign up to one of two webinars next month to find out more about the revamped programme, with a view to starting to deliver TT Kidz early in the new year.

The webinars will take place on Tuesday 10 November from 6-7pm and Wednesday 11 November from 12-1pm. Sign up via TTE Hub.