A radical overhaul of the competition landscape will take shape from next season after the Table Tennis England Board approved Phase III of the National Competition review.

The new structure will deliver a fit-for-purpose competition programme to ensure the future growth and success of the sport in England.

It is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholder groups including National Council, MAG, tournament organisers, event committees and individual players and members.

Phase III builds on the two previous phases of the Competition Review, setting out the practical detail on the principles already agreed. It marks the point that the project moves from strategy to implementation.

Phase IV now begins, comprising implementation of the agreed developments. This will include considering what event developments may be possible to progress in the current season, and plotting new and evolved competitions for the 2024/25 calendar.

The key developments are:

• Creation of a new four-date National Series for top U13, U15 & U19 boys and girls – a regular high-quality competitive opportunity for the top cohort in each youth age-group
• Expansion of National Junior Club Leagues (currently Junior British League) to three weekends and introduction of girls’ and boys’ doubles in Premier Divisions
• Alignment of the National Club Leagues (NCL/NJL and British League) under the same branding and processes
• National Championships re-grouped into different age-groups
• U11 & U13 National Championships to become Open events for all ages from U10 to U13 inclusive
• U11/U13 Area Team Event – a new targeted team competition opportunity for priority age-groups at area level
• U21 National Cup – a new event to aid retention and provide valuable competition opportunity to this priority cohort
• 1*, 2*, 4* & Grand Prix events to sit within a new Tiered Open Tournament structure

More detail on individual competitions and on each tier of competition can be seen in the overview and the FAQs documents, both of which can be downloaded at the foot of this page.

All the stakeholder groups which have been consulted up to this point will shortly be contacted to discuss the next steps.

There will also be two open member forums on Tuesday October 17 and Monday October 23, both at 6pm.

Further announcements on progress and implementation will made in due course.

Neil Rogers, Head of Competitions & Events said: “This is a hugely exciting point in a detailed and robust journey to ensure a ‘fit for purpose’ competition programme for the future.

“The shape and form of the new programme is agreed – and we can move forward with these changes over the next few seasons.

“I would like to thank each and every member who has helped support the consultation and insight, and contributed to the project – and in particular the members of the Project Team and the representative and expert Steering Group.”

The detail of previous phases, including support documentation and membership consultation outcomes, can be seen by clicking here (Phase II) and here (Phase I)

Downloads