A Year of Growth, Partnerships and Opportunity in North Wales

Over the past year, Table Tennis Wales has continued to expand its reach across North Wales, creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in table tennis. Through strong partnerships, volunteer development and place-based projects, Regional Development Officer Aaron Beech has helped lay the foundations for sustainable growth across the region.

Growing Participation Across North Wales

Participation has continued to grow through schools, colleges, community clubs and local partnerships. One of the year’s biggest successes has been the continued development of the Yale Coleg Cambria Community Club, which now has over 100 registered members on Spond, making it one of the region’s strongest community programmes.

A new junior session in Bangor was also established, attracting more than 20 young players. Following an Activator Course delivered to Bangor University students, the volunteers took ownership of running the sessions between November and March with support from local coaches, creating an excellent example of a sustainable volunteer-led programme.

Strengthening School Pathways

School partnerships have continued to flourish, creating clear pathways from education into local clubs.

Working alongside Yale Coleg Cambria students, Aaron organised and delivered the Primary School Championships, with Level 2 Sport students completing an Activator Course before leading a successful primary school festival. The programme not only provided valuable volunteering experience for students but also introduced many children to table tennis for the first time.

At Myddelton College, weekly coaching sessions have supported over 200 young people throughout the year. The programme included a Primary School Festival, entries into the Primary School Championships and regular coaching that has produced significant improvements in player confidence and technical ability.

Strong links have also been maintained with schools connected to local development clubs, including Bryn Tabor, St Anne’s, Rhosddu, Bryn Deva, Bryn Gwalia and Esgob Morgan, strengthening school-to-club pathways across North Wales.

Developing Future Coaches and Volunteers

 

 

A major focus this year has been creating sustainable programmes through workforce development.

Activator Courses have been delivered to college students, university students and partner organisations, giving participants the confidence and skills to introduce table tennis within their own communities.

Looking ahead, plans are already underway for an innovative multi-sport Activator programme involving National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities, Girlguiding leaders, Myddelton College staff and community partners. The project will create a long-term legacy through a regular Racket Disco, a student ambassador programme supporting local schools, and new table tennis opportunities for Rainbows, Brownies and Guides across North Wales.

Creating Sustainable Communities Through Place-Based Projects

One of the standout achievements has been the development of place-based projects designed to create lasting community opportunities.

A successful collaboration between Gwella, Ewloe Table Tennis Club and Bryn Deva Primary School resulted in the creation of a new after-school table tennis club. The project provided four permanent tables and established a sustainable club with regular participants. The success of the initiative was later shared with partners across Flintshire as an example of best practice.

Further place-based projects are now being developed with StreetGames, focusing on communities experiencing high levels of deprivation. These initiatives aim to improve access to sport, support men’s mental health, create volunteer opportunities and establish long-term community hubs where table tennis becomes part of everyday life.

Supporting Inclusion

Making table tennis accessible to everyone has remained a priority throughout the year.

Aaron has supported numerous Disability Sport Wales events across Flintshire and Wrexham, introducing children and adults to the sport while helping participants connect with local clubs to continue playing.

Work has also begun on expanding opportunities for girls and young women through partnerships with Girlguiding and the development of inclusive community programmes.

Supporting Player Development

 

 

Alongside community development, Aaron has continued to deliver weekly Development Squad sessions for talented young players from Ewloe and Northop, providing high-quality coaching and supporting progression within the North Wales performance pathway.

Despite the challenges of limited coaching capacity and infrastructure across North Wales, the focus remains on creating stronger player pathways and developing the next generation of coaches to support future growth.

Building Stronger Partnerships

Collaboration has been central to every project this year.

Partnerships with Local Authorities, Disability Sport Wales, StreetGames, Gwella, Bangor University, Coleg Cambria, Myddelton College and local table tennis clubs have enabled Table Tennis Wales to reach more communities than ever before.

These partnerships are helping to build sustainable programmes that continue long after initial delivery, ensuring communities have the skills, volunteers and facilities to keep table tennis thriving.

Looking Ahead

The coming year promises to be another exciting chapter for table tennis in North Wales.

Priorities include expanding place-based projects, completing the Table Tennis Wales Facilities Audit, increasing investment in community venues, developing more coaches and volunteers, strengthening school-to-club pathways and creating more opportunities for talented young players to progress.

While challenges remain, particularly around coaching capacity and performance infrastructure, the progress made over the past year demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership working, innovation and a commitment to creating opportunities for everyone.

With strong foundations now in place, North Wales is well positioned to continue growing participation and ensuring table tennis becomes a sport that is accessible, inclusive and sustainable for communities across the region.