In recent weeks, I have been travelling around the area supporting some of the great work that has been going on to support increasing womens and girls activity in local table tennis.

I am sure we are all aware of the gender disparity in the sport, and I am often spoken to and told that we need more women playing. To get that increase we need to look at the competative offer specifically for women and young girls and do everything we can to provide the type of competition and the level of competition these participants are after.

Recently, I have seen and supported a few examples of great work being done and have visited Hollingbury /Worthing, Limpsfield and Graham Spicer who all have incredible people behind driving the increase of women into the sport.

Sally Hughes, Jane Barrella and Janet Spicer are but a few of the drivers of this type of work and they each display a desire, drive and enthusiasm that can only create success in this field.

When you hear them speak, you can see why they are so powerful in their message, and why they are the people at the forefront of increasing participation.

As part of the Southeast area we are looking to build on this work and support some of the great initiatives taking place. If you or your club want to see how they can also be included in this wave then please get in contact and we can discuss how to build your offer into the future calendar.

Keep your eyes out for future events including more at Limpsfield, Worthing, Graham Spicer and Cippenham to name but a few.