Table Tennis England and our partners at the Jack Petchey Foundation are celebrating engaging 100,000 young people across London and Essex.

The milestone is made up of young people from across London and Essex who have directly benefited from the table donation scheme since the partnership began in 2010.

The impact on students is profound, from developing their teamwork skills, to improving their mobility and fitness, as well as offering competitive opportunities to represent their schools in team and individual competitions which run every year.

To celebrate the landmark achievement, Table Tennis England and the Foundation held a special mini tournament at Barking Abbey School, with young talents from the school showcasing their skills and passion for table tennis.

This celebration was not just about the sport, but also about the impact Table Tennis England and the Jack Petchey Foundation have made together in empowering and supporting youth.

England junior player Adam Alibhai – who has twice won gold medals at the Jack Petchey London Schools Individual Finals, representing Chigwell School – also joined in, knocking with students and challenging them to return his serves.

The table donation scheme supports schools and youth clubs looking to grow table tennis participation amongst young people by providing new equipment, including indoor and outdoor tables together with equipment and electronic resource packs worth thousands of pounds.

The scheme is open to state secondary schools, colleges, academies and youth clubs in Essex and London that are on the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme.

The donation scheme is managed and delivered by Table Tennis England. Since 2010, more than 2,000 table tennis tables have been donated to secondary schools and youth clubs across London and Essex and there have been over 180 competitions organised across the area.

The Foundation additionally supports courses and coaching for teachers and students as well as funding to increase girls’ participation in table tennis.

Speaking about the achievement of reaching 100,000 young people via the scheme Matthew Rantell, Jack Petchey Foundation’s Chair of Trustees and Sir Jack’s grandson, said: “My grandad loved the sport ever since he started playing when he was in the Royal Navy during World War II. He enjoyed the camaraderie, competitiveness, exercise and – most of all – the fun of it.

“We are so proud of our partnership with Table Tennis England. What an achievement it is to reach this milestone.

“It has been incredible to witness so many young people take part in this sport. Some have gone on to achieve success in the sport and represent their country, and others have discovered the joy of competing against friends. We hope to reach even more young people in the future.”

Andrew Wilesmith, Head of Table Tennis Development, from Table Tennis England added: “The work the Jack Petchey Foundation has done over many years with table tennis has been brilliant.

“The milestone of 100,000 participants just demonstrates the amazing impact the organisation has had on young people in London and Essex for many years and the legacy Sir Jack has left.”

Schools and groups interested in the table donation scheme can apply by visiting the table donation scheme page on this website.

In 2024, the Jack Petchey Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To mark this occasion, volunteers who have run the Foundation’s flagship Achievement Award Scheme for over 20 years are receiving a special £2,500 grant for their organisation in honour of their dedication.

One such volunteer is Jan Angus, Senior Administrator with Barking Abbey School. With their grant, they have purchased table tennis tables and equipment.