Now is the time of year local league secretaries are hard at work registering teams for their winter leagues, which run from September to March each season. In the North West we have 23 leagues ranging in size from 5 divisions of 50 teams to just one of 8 teams. They all play their part in providing weekly competitive play at a local level, crucial to the popularity of the sport and the development of younger players, who learn their craft playing experienced league players on a weekly basis.
A number of leagues such as Southport and Liverpool have also organised 2-a-side shorter format leagues which have encouraged more women and school aged players to take part. Find your local league here.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR WOMEN & GIRLS’ NORTH WEST COMPETITIONS
The first Women and Girls 1* Open in the North West is being held on Saturday 24th September at Blackpool Sports Centre, adding to the increasing number of Women and Girls events taking place around England during the 2024/25 season.
The tournament will have Over and Under-21s events in the morning and an Open and Junior Girls U19 Event for all players in the afternoon. It is the perfect event for all those up and coming new players and those looking to test themselves in a competitive format. The closing date is Saturday 14 September, so don’t delay there is just a few weeks left to get those entries in. Click here for further details and to download an entry form.
LOWER HOLKER CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Peter Leahy, Secretary of Natland & Oxenholme Table Tennis Club in Cumbria and Chairman of the NW Local Organising Group is leading the charge to set up a new Table Tennis Club at Lower Holker Village Hall, Grange Over Sands in Cumbria. They’ve had a marvellous response, See details of their campaign and how you can support them.
LONDON 2012 UMPIRE TOM PURCELL PARALYMPIC SELECTION
Tom Purcell never really wanted to be an umpire – but he went on to take charge of an Olympic final and has been selected for this summer’s Paralympic Games! Find out more about his umpiring journey.
LEVEL 1 UMPIRES COURSE – BLACKPOOL
Click here to register for the the NW umpires Course taking place in Blackpool on 15 Sept 24.
This course is the entry level umpiring qualification, formed of two parts:
A – The first part will be an online learning module which includes an online exam which is to be taken prior to a practical session. Around two weeks before the practical session you will be sent a login and password for the online elements.
B – A practical session which will be run by an experienced International Umpire and will cover all major issues needed to be a competent umpire.
This will include: Doubles, On court behaviour, Serving, Using a score machine.
The practical session will run between 10am and 4pm and will require you to play as well as umpire so please come prepared to play with your bat!
You will need to pass both sections before being awarded your Level 1 Umpires Qualification.
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