The community-centered approach of Llynfi Valley TTC

Just over a decade ago, Lynfi Valley TTC was established with two tables in Caerau Community Centre. 11 years on, the club has moved venues twice due to demand, and continues to provide positive opportunities for its local community.  

“The main aim was that table tennis would be accessible to all ages and abilities in the valley and surrounding areas,” one of the club’s four founders, Peter Williams, told Table Tennis Wales. 

“It is very important as a club that we offer somewhere where any person can come along and have a go at table tennis.” 

With this commitment in mind, the club was set up to provide sessions for just £1 for under-18s and £3 for adults, with no membership fee. Their accessible pricing still applies today, with all equipment also provided. 

With continuous engagement from the local community, the club received grants with support from Table Tennis Wales to purchase six further tables, after which it had to relocate to Nantyffyllon Miners Institute in 2014. 

Numbers continued to rise and, with TTW’s involvement in coaching sessions, the club enjoyed more and more success before having to once again upscale to Maesteg Sports Centre in 2019. 

Prior to COVID-19, Llynfi Valley TTC welcomed 20 to 30 players on a weekly basis. 

“The value to the community is that we offer a cheap and safe environment to participate in a physical activity,” explained Peter. 

“It’s indoors and there are changing rooms, toilets and showers available for everyone.”   

The club is run by Peter alongside colleagues Huw Jenkins, David Richards, and Andrew Jones – all volunteers. 

All four are qualified coaches, pay the fees to play themselves, and offer their time to coach their members one-on-one, especially new members who have had limited exposure to the game. 

“As coaches and a committee, we engage with helping members to improve their game,” Peter told us. 

It’s fantastic to see this passion for the game in local communities across Wales. 

If you would like to visit a club near you, join our community, and give table tennis a go, then be sure to visit our Find a Club page here!