Trinity TTC: A club built on the principle of inclusion
One Table Tennis Club thriving in its local community is Trinity TTC, with a mix of ages and abilities contributing to promising progression among youth players and a positive atmosphere in which everyone can enjoy the sport.
David Jones is Secretary and Treasurer at the club, and is a pivotal presence in its running and organisation, holding the positions of Safeguarding Officer, Coach and all-round go-to guy.
“I see my position as a privilege,” he told Table Tennis Wales. “It’s a pleasure to call all of our members my friends.”
Friendship is a central theme among the membership at Trinity TTC, a value that creates a positive, encouraging atmosphere for all to participate in.
“First and foremost in our delivery of table tennis is the inclusion of everyone,” David explained. “All levels of ability, from starters to experienced players, are most welcome, as are people who just like to come for a chat or a brew with a biscuit. We are very much a family.”
The overarching ethos at the club is simply the inclusion of everyone, a philosophy that David is incredibly passionate about.
“We have access for wheelchairs and are happy to help anyone with a disability to gain access to our great game. Being a wheelchair user myself, I am also proud to say that our coaches understand an individual’s needs and that everyone is different.”
This pillar in the club’s values has seen Trinity TTC members mix regularly, with younger members playing alongside and with the older members. While this partly comes down to membership numbers, Trinity have found that it holds great value for their youth players.
“We feel that incorporating them into our group sessions works well for us, and they enjoy the experience of a mixed range of ages,” he confirmed.
And Trinity TTC’s approach has evidently worked, with representatives faring well in competition, although the club doesn’t necessarily see medals as the ultimate indicator to success.
“We measure success not only on achieving medals at competition, but also by seeing a youngster progressing, realising that with some hard work, practice does pay off.
“We have people from all walks of life; everyone is welcome and it’s truly a privilege to support, particularly helping a youngster realise what they can do and guiding them a little on their life journey.”
Even so, Trinity TTC has added to its trophy cabinet in recent years.
“We have done well in the past,” David affirmed. “Our team of youngsters won the National Junior League Division 1 at Halton, and, at present, we have youngsters representing the North Wales Counties at Cadet and Junior ages.
“We also have a team in the Team Championships of Wales, having finished as winners of Division 2 last season. Getting promoted this year to Division 1 will bring with it a new set of experiences that the team will enjoy.”
Trinity TTC also boasts four young players competing at local league level this year, in the Llandudno and District Table Tennis League.
Major contributors to the club’s success are the coaches and volunteers, according to David.
“The four Level 2 coaches at Trinity and the many volunteers are key to our success.
“Everyone is recognised as being a member of our club family and when one is away their absence is missed. Our members are all special to us, we don’t take anyone for granted, and whether someone comes along as a super player or someone who is just learning for the first time, they all mean the same to us.”