Pride of Table Tennis nominees

Club of the Year

Winner: St Austell TTC

St Austell Table Tennis Club has combined remarkable growth with community impact, delivering inclusive programmes from Ping Mind sports psychology projects to the Ultra League for adults with a Learning disability, and schools’ pathways in partnership with organisations including Active Cornwall and the West Cornwall TTL. Through these initiatives, alongside women-only and over-55s sessions, they’ve made table tennis a powerful force for connection and wellbeing across their community.

Runner-up: Stanmore TTC

Stanmore Table Tennis Club has had the most successful season ever as well as significant success across all levels of ability the club has achieved significant growth. This was a achieved by creating a structured and ambitious development environment, with strong leadership driving junior progression through leagues including Barnet and Wembley & Harrow.

Its focus on competitive opportunity, clear pathways and a supportive club culture has helped players grow in confidence and performance. The atmosphere is the Club’s biggest strength.

Coach of the Year

Winner: Peter Thompson (PingPong4U)

Peter Thompson, known as “Ping Pong Pete”, has transformed lives across Leeds through his PingPong4U programme, delivering coaching at Shakespeare Primary School and within the Harehills community, including the CATCH Community Hub. Through the Ping! programme, he has engaged groups including ethnic minority girls, a men’s mental health group and people with learning disabilities, using table tennis to build confidence and connection. Nurturing players in a respectful inclusive environment.

Runner-up: Paul Hutchings (Maghull TTC)

Paul Hutchings has played a key role at Maghull TTC, building a strong and welcoming junor section that supports player development and encourages participation across age groups. He is devoted to making table tennis accessible. His commitment has helped strengthen opportunities for players to improve and compete within the local leagues and at a junior national level.

Runner-up: Tony West (Kidlington Forum TTC)

Tony West has made a significant impact at Kidlington Forum TTC, delivering enthusiastic coaching and supporting players through their development pathways at a wide range of coaching sessions. His dedication has helped create a positive and inclusive environment where players can progress and enjoy the sport. Integration of new players has been a key strength and feedback from parents and players is fantastic. Tony has also proactively 1and generously supported other coaches sharing his experience and giving them confidence.

Special mention: Kelsey Fordham (Norwich City TTC)

Contribution to Table Tennis

Winner: Steve Bispham (Folkestone & District TTA)

Steve Bispham has made a lasting contribution through his work with the Folkestone & District Table Tennis Association, strengthening league structures and competitive opportunities across the district.  Holding the role of Vice-Chair for 28 years amongst other roles is dedication that has helped sustain participation and ensure table tennis continues to thrive locally.

Runner-up: David Badham (Aylesbury TTL / Quarrendon & Meadowcroft TTC)

David Badham has supported table tennis across Aylesbury, including his work with Aylesbury TTL and Quarrendon & Meadowcroft TTC, helping maintain strong league participation and club activity.  Tournament Director, updating league results and overseeing a sustainable model, as well as encouraging juniors are just a few of David’s achievements. His efforts have contributed to the continued development of the sport within the local area.

Runner-up: Ken Oram (Winstanley Wizards TTC)

Ken Oram is one of the founding officers of Winstanley Wizards TTC, supporting grassroots participation and helping create opportunities for players within his community. Under Ken the club has grown to six teams entering the Leicester and District (Senior) League making it the largest in the League. The Club has also been active in the Junior League entering three teams which have progressed to win Division 1. His ongoing commitment has ensured that the club continues to develop and thrive.  

Inspirational Story of the Year

Winner: Young Carers Cornwall Ping Mind (George, Noah, Angelina, Maria, Jack, Freya)

The Young Carers Cornwall Ping Mind group has shown how table tennis can transform lives. Ping Mind is a pilot project which combines Sports Psychology and table tennis, providing young carers with a safe space to connect, build confidence and support one another. Their journey highlights the power of the sport to create belonging, resilience and joy beyond the table, and that sports psychology techniques can be applied to a community setting to provide valuable mental well-being tools.

Runner-up: Nick Kreel (Brighton TTC)

Nick Kreel has turned his own journey at Brighton TTC into a force for others, supporting a wide range of participants including Parkinson’s groups, after-school sessions and players with special educational needs. By helping deliver inclusive sessions and encouraging those who may lack confidence, he uses table tennis to build skills, connection and a genuine sense of belonging across his community.

Runner-up: Brendan Praet (Wyre Piddle TTC / Worcester TTL)

Brendan Praet’s story is one of determination and commitment, recovering from a stroke, he progressed from barely being able to hit the ball to becoming a dedicated and valued part of his club and league at Wyre Piddle TTC and Worcester TTL. Through persistence, passion and a willingness to keep showing up, he has not only developed his own game but become an inspiration to others starting their journey in the sport.

League of the Year

Winner: Stroud & District TTL

Stroud & District Table Tennis League has delivered a forward-thinking competitive structure, strengthened growing junior competition and invested in new tables, maintaining a high standard. 
Coordinating player recruitment through a sophisticated school club link programme and coach development, the league has helped build a connected network, creating clear pathways for young players to compete, improve and progress within the sport.

Level The Table Award

Winner: Juliet Bertie (Continental Stars TTC)

Juliet Bertie has been a driving force for inclusion in Birmingham through her work at Continental Stars TTC, helping deliver programmes such as Rackets Cubed to support young people from underserved communities. Through her commitment to dismantling barriers to participation, she has created safe, welcoming spaces where table tennis becomes a tool for confidence, belonging and real opportunity.

Runner-up: Riya Thakore (Barnet TTC)

Riya Thakore has played an important role at Barnet TTC in opening up the sport to a wider range of players, including supporting sessions for participants with Down’s Syndrome and other additional needs.
Through her encouragement and care, she has helped create a welcoming environment where players can build confidence, develop skills and feel truly included within the club community.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Les Cole (Plymouth & District TTC)

Les Cole has dedicated a lifetime to table tennis in Plymouth and across Devon, serving the sport in a wide range of roles including player, organiser, official and driving force within the local league and club structure. From supporting grassroots participation to helping host major events, including international fixtures such as England versus France, his decades of commitment have shaped the local table tennis landscape and created a legacy that will continue for generations.

Runner-up: Jayne Johnson (Rawreth TTC)

Jayne Johnson has given decades of dedicated service to table tennis through Rawreth TTC, supporting the club in a variety of roles and helping to create a stable, welcoming environment for players of all ages. The amazing thing is that Jayne has never played table tennis. Whether organising, supporting players or contributing behind the scenes, her long-standing commitment has been central to sustaining and developing table tennis within her community.

Runner-up: James Skinner (BDTTL)

James Skinner has provided many years of dedicated service through BDTTL, playing a key role in league organisation and supporting the structure of competitive table tennis across the district. Through his work behind the scenes, helping coordinate leagues and maintain opportunities for players, his contribution has been vital to the strength and continuity of the local game. He has truly been involved all of his adult life in making table tennis available to everyone.

Partner of the Year

Winner: Central Co-op Membership

Central Co-op Membership has provided targeted funding and developed a deep, hands-on partnership with Continental Stars TTC, supporting the delivery of inclusive table tennis activity within the local community. Through an adaptable and proactive approach, they have enabled access to a flexible community facility through keyholder status, while also contributing in practical ways — including donating equipment, prizes and supporting events — helping expand activity such as sessions for older people and creating a genuine family atmosphere around the club.

School of the Year

Winner: Shakespeare Primary School Leeds

Shakespeare Primary School in Leeds has embraced table tennis as a central part of school life, working in close partnership with PingPong4U to deliver regular, high-quality coaching and competitive opportunities. Serving a richly diverse inner-city community, the programme has helped pupils build confidence, develop skills and feel a strong sense of belonging, with high engagement and competitive success reflecting its impact across the school.

Runner-up: Parkdale Primary School Nottingham

Parkdale Primary School in Nottingham has embedded table tennis across the school, with multiple tables in regular use and strong support from the Head Teacher driving its growth and visibility. Delivered before school, after school and within the curriculum, the programme provides consistent opportunities for pupils to engage, develop skills and build confidence through the sport. All children in school learn table tennis and have the opportunity to progress.

Runner-up: St George’s School Edgbaston

St George’s School in Edgbaston has created a supportive environment for table tennis, encouraging pupils to develop their skills and enjoy the sport. Its approach has helped build engagement and participation across the school, with over 120 pupils taking part in lunchtime clubs. There is a fortnightly competition, giving pupils the chance to compete in a non-pressured way. Table tennis sits at the heart of the school and has become a part of the schools identity.

Runner-up: St Peter’s CE Primary School Market Bosworth

St Peter’s CE Primary School in Market Bosworth has developed a strong table tennis offer through its link with Market Bosworth TTC, creating clear pathways for pupils beyond the school setting. With young play leaders supporting delivery, involvement in the National Schools competition, and recognition through a local Active Award, the school has built a programme that promotes leadership, participation and pride across its pupils.

Technical Official of the Year

Winner: Margaret Welch

Margaret Welch has shown outstanding dedication to officiating, bringing experience, consistency and calm authority. She brings the same levels of professionalism across a wide range of competitions, from local league matches through to national events and major tournaments. Regularly the first person on site, her attention to detail and commitment to fair play ensure matches are delivered to the highest standard, providing players with a reliable and professional environment in which to compete. She takes the time to listen, guide and support officials of all levels.

Runner-up: Matthew Pryke

Matthew Pryke has made a strong contribution through his officiating, supporting events across local leagues, regional competitions and open tournaments. Accomplishments include umpiring at the Star Contender event in London and British Para Table Tennis events. Giving up his time and expertise, his reliability and professionalism have made him a trusted presence at the table, helping ensure events run smoothly for players and organisers alike.

Runner-up: Alan Thomas

Alan Thomas has provided consistent and valued support as a technical official, contributing across league fixtures, local competitions and wider events throughout the table tennis calendar. Recently he officiated at the European Para Championships in Sweden. His commitment helps maintain the structure and integrity of competitions, ensuring players can compete in a well-managed environment.

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Craig Mehew (St Austell TTC)

Craig Mehew has been central to St Austell TTC becoming a thriving club, leading community partnerships and delivering programmes including the Ultra League for Adults with a Learning Disability, schools pathways and wellbeing initiatives such as Ping Mind. Working intensively in St Austell with partners such as Wild, Wonder and Wisdom and Mencap, and gaining investment Craig has created and delivered an outreach programme across 8 locations. His energy and leadership have helped expand participation in St Austell and now he is working across the county.

Runner-up: Sarah March (St Katharine’s Trust / TJTTC)

Sarah March has made a powerful contribution through her work with St Katharine’s Trust and TJTTC, supporting sessions that provide young people with safe, structured opportunities to engage with table tennis. Through her care and consistency, she has helped create a welcoming environment where participants can build confidence, develop skills and feel part of a supportive community. No task is too big or small, one night Sarah walked 4km with tables!

Runner-up: Giulio Pontone (Darlington Academy Hummersknott TTC)

Giulio Pontone is the backbone of Darlington Academy Hummersknott TTC, his commitment, energy and passion for the club go far beyond whet could ever be expected of a volunteer. Supporting sessions and players within the school and club environment. His dedication, leadership and selfless contribution has helped to transform the club into a thriving, inclusive and ambitious environment, a positive space where young people can enjoy the sport and grow in confidence.

Giulio Pontone has supported table tennis development at Darlington Academy Hummersknott TTC, contributing his time and effort to club activity and player support. His commitment has helped strengthen the club environment and participation.

Young Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Joshua Kelly (Waterside TTC)

Joshua Kelly has shown outstanding commitment at Waterside TTC, supporting coaching sessions and building strong relationships with players and coaches across the club. He has a talent for engaging the younger players. Alongside his work on the table, his initiative as a “head barista” helping raise funds and create a social hub has strengthened the club community, showing leadership, creativity and a genuine dedication beyond his years.

Runner-up: Hamza Caratela (Knighton Park TTC)

Hamza Caratela has taken on significant responsibility at Knighton Park TTC as the club’s youngest duty officer, supporting sessions and helping ensure the smooth running of activity. Alongside this, captaining his league team while stepping up to compete at a higher level for the first time, he has shown leadership, confidence and a willingness to challenge himself both on and off the table. He is always willing to fill the gaps, as a role model he will undoubtedly inspire others.

Runner-up: Freddie Carroll (Halton TTC)

Freddie Carroll has made a strong contribution at Halton TTC, regularly supporting junior sessions and holiday camps, and helping to deliver activity for younger players. By assisting with coaching, encouraging beginners and helping sessions run smoothly, he has played an important role in creating a welcoming and positive environment where players can develop and enjoy the sport. His support for younger players is appreciated by parents.

Runner-up: Kush Thakore (Urban TTC)

Kush Thakore has made a meaningful impact at Urban TTC through his support of inclusive sessions, including working with players with Down syndrome and other additional needs. Through his patience, encouragement and willingness to give his time, he has helped create a supportive environment where every player can feel valued, build confidence and enjoy the game. He enjoys helping and wants to give back to the community which helps to make the sessions sustainable.