Table tennis clubs have a unique opportunity to engage with schools and foster a love for the sport among young players. By building connections with schools, clubs can grow their membership, enhance community presence, and develop future talent. Here’s how table tennis clubs can effectively connect with schools:

1. Offer School Visits and Exhibitions

One of the simplest ways to connect with schools is to offer in-school table tennis demonstrations. Clubs can organise visits where players perform and explain the sport, sparking interest among students. Exhibitions are a fun way to introduce the game while showcasing the excitement of table tennis in a school environment. If you have any talented players in your area, potentially you could draft them in to show the top end of the sport.

2. Run After-School Programs

Collaborating with schools to run after-school table tennis programmes is a great way to give students regular access to the sport. These programs can be beginner-friendly and focused on skill development, providing an affordable and structured way for children to learn the game. Clubs can supply equipment and coaches, with sessions hosted either at the school or the club itself. By delivering table tennis as part of after-school programmes it helps to remove major barriers such as travel and cost.

3. Host School Tournaments

Organising local school tournaments can create healthy competition and motivation among students to play table tennis. Clubs can partner with schools to host these events, offering their facilities or assisting in planning competitions on school grounds. Tournaments encourage more students to get involved and serve as a bridge between the school and club communities.

Reach out to your local School’s County Secretary or School Games Organiser to see what is already being delivered in the area or how you can work together.

4. Offer Discounted Memberships

To encourage school players to join, clubs can offer special membership rates for students. By providing affordable options, clubs make it easier for young players to transition from casual school play to more structured club training. This initiative also helps strengthen the club’s pipeline of emerging talent.

5. Engage PE Teachers

Engaging PE teachers is key to making table tennis a regular part of school sports programs. Clubs can offer training sessions for PE staff to help them feel confident teaching table tennis. By building relationships with PE departments, clubs can ensure the sport is actively promoted and included in regular school activities.

6. TT Kidz

If you are working with primary schools – encourage them to invest in TT Kidz. It will provide the school with resources, kit and training so that teachers can feel confident delivering table tennis sessions and help to integrate Table Tennis into every day school life.

By actively engaging with schools, table tennis clubs can introduce more children to the sport, build relationships, and create long-term benefits for both students and the community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!