Following the launch of the new Area Manager network, linked to the TT England strategy Table Tennis United and to help prioritize our work with clubs, leagues, social groups and partner organisations, In 2023 I circulated a link to a short questionnaire, to which we had a marvellous 60 responses.
Following the audit responses to date and insight into existing clubs and opportunities in each of the counties, focus areas initially planned for the next 12 to 18 months include:
- Manchester – Club development, Facilities, Events, TT Kidz, Schools
- Greater Manchester – Clubs and Facilities, Ping in the Community, TT Kidz
- Cumbria – Increased participation, Ping in the Community, 1-2* star competitions
- Cheshire – TT Kidz & 1-2* star competitions
- Lancashire – 1-2* & W&G Competitions, workforce development
- Merseyside – Workforce development, TT Kidz, Schools
Click on the map below to see the following information in the North West (July 2023), select the legend items to hide/show categories and click on the pins for further details of each item.
- Premier Clubs and Associate Clubs
- Leagues & Social Clubs
- Local Leagues
- NW Questionnaire Responses
- TT Kidz clubs
Manchester & Greater Manchester
- Given the size of the population (2.77m, 10 local authorities) GM only has 3 registered Premier Clubs Leigh St. George and Wigan TTC, Ramsbottom in Bury and 5 Associate clubs (none in Salford, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside or Rochdale). However, there are opportunities for partnership work with Manchester Active (Manchester CC) and other social TT groups, linked to the World Table Tennis event taking place in Manchester in Feb 2024. We also received 11 responses out of 60 to our club and league questionnaire with interest in knowing more about TTE programmes and initiatives e.g. TT Kidz, Bat & Chat, Ping in the Community and workforce development e.g. coaching & umpiring courses.
Cumbria
- Although largely rural with only 2 Premier clubs: Whitehaven & Thwaites TTC and 4 Associate Clubs, there are good pockets of development in Natland & Oxenholme, Whitehaven and Barrow. There are currently no 1-2* competitions taking place in the NW, but interest has been expressed by local clubs to establish a 1 star competition for South Cumbria.
Cheshire
- Cheshire has the largest population of 5-9 and 10-15 yo in the NW area, making it a focus area for TT Kidz delivery. Two clubs have already registered interest: Halton TTC and Crewe Central TTC, a recently held umpires course also had 6 new L1 umpires qualify.
Lancashire
- With no 1-2* competitions currently planned in the NW there are opportunities to hold these at UCLan, Preston and Blackpool SC, both have suitable facilities and equipment required, Hyndburn TTC is also hosting a L1 Umpires Course in December.