As Area Manager for London at Table Tennis England, a big aspect of my work is leading the Jack Petchey Table Tennis Programme. The partnership, now in its 14th year, continues to create incredible opportunities for young people across London and Essex to discover and thrive in the sport of table tennis.
The young people involved in the programme are genuinely inspiring. Each year the Jack Petchey Programme is expanding and adapting to engage even more young people. This month, we reached a remarkable milestone: over 100,000 young people have now participated in the programme since its inception in 2010! This figure is a testament to the impact we’re making together with the Jack Petchey Foundation, and it’s incredible to think of the thousands of young people whose lives have been influenced by the table tennis programme.
To celebrate this achievement, we visited Barking Abbey School, where we marked the milestone alongside some of the programme’s participants. We were joined by an England Junior player, Adam Alibhai, adding to the excitement of the day and showcasing a powerful role model for the young attendees. The day’s events are highlighted in this article on our website, which captures the joy and energy of the occasion.
The numbers behind the programme’s impact are truly impressive: more than 2,000 table tennis tables have been delivered to schools and youth clubs, and over 180 competitions have been organised. These competitions are not just events—they’re experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and skill. And this year, we’re looking forward to building on these successes with even more engaging opportunities.
The 2024 Programme: Five Key Strands
For the 2024 academic year, we are excited to roll out five core components of the programme, designed to cater to different groups and needs:
- Jack Petchey Table Donation Scheme – Providing new, affordable tables to schools and youth clubs, making table tennis more accessible than ever.
- Jack Petchey London and Essex Schools Competitions – Exciting competitive opportunities for young players and a route through the national school’s pathway.
- Jack Petchey Development Schools Competitions – Competitions focused on building skills and confidence, perfect for those newer to the sport.
- Girls’ Programme – A dedicated initiative to encourage and support girls in the sport, creating an inclusive environment.
- Teachers/Leaders Course – Offering training for teachers and youth leaders to effectively coach and inspire young players alongside activating table tennis tables.
These programmes aren’t just about improving table tennis skills; they’re about empowering young people to challenge themselves, develop teamwork, and build resilience.
A Lasting Impact Across London and Essex
The Jack Petchey Table Tennis Programme has become a household name in many parts of London and Essex. If you ask someone in London about it, chances are high—9 out of 10 times—that they or someone they know has been involved in one of the programme’s events or initiatives. It’s a legacy that continues to grow, and we are incredibly proud of the network of players, coaches, schools, and clubs that has formed around this shared love for table tennis.
For those interested in joining us for the 2024 programme, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved. Schools and youth clubs across London and Essex are welcome to participate, and we’d love to have even more young people discover all that this programme has to offer.
For more information on how you can take part, visit our programme page to learn more.
As we look forward to another successful year, I look forward to seeing many of you at the qualifiers and finals in the upcoming months – Here’s to inspiring the next generation of table tennis players!