How Ogmore Table Tennis Club secured and has benefitted from Sport Wales funding 

Set up in November 2023, Ogmore Table Tennis Club was set up on a blank canvas and, with the support of Sport Wales funding, has rapidly grown to accommodate regular sessions and participation from the local community.  

“The invitation spread by word of mouth,” David Marriott, the club’s co-Founder and Secretary, explained to us, “and, begged or borrowed, we set up a club!” 

With a son that represents Wales and is ranked in the top ten, David volunteers a lot of time to the running and maintenance of the club – as well as being and Officer in the Swansea Table Tennis League – and has seen positive growth since its formation.  

“The club continues to grow and now runs twice a week,” he confirmed. 

Part of this growth has been a successful Be Active Wales Fund application last year. The funding, which originates through the National Lottery, saw £5263 awarded to support the club in acquiring four new tables along with other equipment, enabling them to deliver weekly sessions to people of all ages in the local community.  

“I contacted Simon Oyler, the business manager for TTW, who guided the club towards making a favourable application,” David stated as he recounted the process. 

Thanking everyone who supported in Ogmore TTC’s grant application, David explained how the funding has benefitted the club.  

“It’s helped us so much. Before, the only table we had purchased was 50 quid from a neighbour’s garage! We can now play on a flat surface which is always a bonus when playing table tennis!” 

Table Tennis Wales would like to thank Sport Wales and the National Lottery for making Ogmore’s growth, and the community’s participation at the club, possible. David accentuated this and exemplified why these grants are so vital for grassroots and community sports across Wales. 

“It’s very daunting setting up a club,” Dabid told us. “Yes, you get the initial interest from people who want to play, but you do need to progress a club and provide the right equipment. The grant enabled us to and allowed us to be fit for purpose within a year. Charging £3.50 or £5.00 a session, it would have taken us years and years to purchase the quality of tables we have now.”  

And as a result of the funding, Ogmore TTC is now thriving and offering access to the sport for the people in the area. 

“Ogmore-by-Sea has always been a village without any sporting teams or venues,” he went on. “The village first held a meeting about a community hub, or Village Hall, in 1973. We have been working towards a team that represents the village since that time, so we’re a well overdue club, I’m sure you will agree!  

“This club has brought people of all ages together, from schoolchildren to pensioners, but this was never in doubt. 

“The people of this village are all very focused; there are few jobs here and so many travel elsewhere to work. To have a focal point and a fun club locally is so beneficial to the whole community; it’s a blessing.” 

If you want to apply for a grant from Sport Wales, find out more on their website here, or get in touch with the team at Table Tennis Wales!