The Merthyr Project – More Than Sport: Building Healthier Communities Through Table Tennis

The Merthyr Project is a community-led initiative creating accessible table tennis opportunities for children and young people across Merthyr Tydfil. The programme is delivered through a partnership between Table Tennis Wales, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Merthyr College, local schools, community organisations, and national partners Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Food Source UK.

The first phase of the project focused on delivering table tennis sessions within local primary and secondary schools. By embedding activity within the school day, the programme removes many common barriers to participation such as cost, transport, and lack of access to facilities. To support this work, Table Tennis Wales appointed a Regional Development Officer to coordinate delivery in schools and support the growth of community opportunities.

Teachers reported increased engagement from pupils who do not typically take part in traditional team sports, highlighting table tennis as an inclusive activity suitable for a wide range of abilities. Alongside session delivery, the project invested in equipment and infrastructure, providing schools with bats, balls, and stretch nets to enable continued play. Over 20 table tennis tables have also been installed across schools in Merthyr, creating long-term access to the sport.

Through school engagement, community delivery, and structured player development, the Merthyr Project has created a sustainable model that increases access to sport while delivering meaningful social impact. By developing facilities, training volunteers, and building strong partnerships across education and community sectors, the initiative is creating a lasting sporting legacy and helping build a healthier, more connected community across Merthyr Tydfil.

Dan Bufton, Merthyr Sport Development Manager:

“The Merthyr project has shown great progress over the last 12 months, with development of not only school-based opportunities but links into community provision also. Both of these have seen an increase in participation and greater visibility of the sport as a whole.

“There are strong links between the LA and the projects leads with a number of collaborative approaches. This includes the recent Active Merthyr Young Leaders event where Table Tennis was showcased, and equipment provided, to Young Leaders across all Merthyr Primary Schools.

“We look forward to continuing to support the growth of Table Tennis across the borough.”

To ensure continued participation beyond school sessions, the project has supported the development of community-based table tennis opportunities across the borough. Weekly clubs and open-access sessions provide welcoming spaces where young people, families, and local residents can play regularly. One of these sessions, based in the heart of Dowlais, is delivered free of charge to remove financial barriers. This is made possible through the support of the Steven & George Trust, who provide free access to the venue.

These community sessions have become important social hubs, bringing together participants of different ages and backgrounds. The intergenerational nature of the activity helps reduce social isolation while strengthening local community connections.

The project has also invested in workforce development by upskilling primary school young leaders to support table tennis delivery within their schools. In addition, Year 1 and Year 2 students at Merthyr College have completed the Table Tennis Wales Activators Course, increasing their confidence and ability to support delivery within local schools and community sessions.

For participants who wish to progress further, the project provides a structured player development pathway. Links between school activity, community clubs, and structured coaching allow young players to develop their skills and access further development opportunities.

Sue Walker, Director of Education, Merthyr Council:

“The Table Tennis Merthyr Project has made a meaningful difference to young people across our schools and communities. It has increased participation, improved confidence, and created clear pathways for progression. This project shows how sport can support education, wellbeing, and wider community development. It is fully deserving of recognition at a national level.”

A key component of this pathway is the continued development of the Merthyr Table Tennis Academy at Merthyr College. The academy offers a structured training environment where aspiring players can combine education with regular coaching and competition. This strengthens the local talent pathway and provides a clear progression route for young players within the borough.

Delme Jenkins, Merthyr college:

“The project has made great impacts across the borough. Table Tennis Wales are providing opportunities on all levels of the sports development continuum. They are working with primary schools, secondary schools, clubs and the college.  Students at the college have been given coach education certificates, and they are applying the physical literacy aspects on weekly placements across 10 schools in the borough. From an elite performance perspective, one of the college’s student athletes entered the academy programme as a club player, and then advanced into the Aspiring development squad, and now into the Welsh team. This is a testament to staff involved in the project.”

Beyond performance, the project aims to inspire young people across Merthyr, showing that with the right opportunities and community support, they too can achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Beyond sport, the initiative has also generated wider community benefits. Relationships formed through the programme helped introduce Food Source UK to Merthyr Tydfil, leading to discussions around establishing local provision aimed at tackling food poverty and supporting families in need. This demonstrates how the project has acted as a catalyst for wider community engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

David Solomon, Director, Food Source UK:

“I’m pleased to support the application from Table Tennis Wales for the Welsh Sports Association Awards. Their commitment to growing the sport and engaging communities across Wales is truly commendable.

“At Food Source UK, we’ve been proud to partner with Table Tennis Wales to help deliver a foodbank in Merthyr, demonstrating how sport can play a powerful role in supporting communities beyond the table. Their dedication to inclusion, community impact, and leadership within Welsh sport makes them a very worthy candidate.

 

Project Impact Snapshot

• 12 schools engaged across Merthyr Tydfil
• 1,000+ young people introduced to table tennis
• 150+ sessions delivered across schools and community venues
• 80 regular participants attending weekly community sessions
• 25% progression from school activity into community clubs
• 6 volunteers and new activators developed
• Participants aged 7–70+ engaging in intergenerational play
• Partnership established with Food Source UK to support wider community wellbeing