The Senior British League Premier Division returns this Saturday with newcomers Brighton TTC set to take on North Ayrshire.

The south-coast side have entered a fully integrated squad of able-bodied and para players to the British League.

Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley looks set to be absent from the opening fixture, but will both play and captain/manage the squad throughout the campaign. Mark Scutts is one confirmed name who will line up in Scotland.

Speaking in July, Bayley said: ““For me, it’s amazing for all our young players, who deserve a chance to play in the Senior British League. It’s important for them to get that match practice and play competitive matches.

“For the disability players who are going to be playing in Division One and sometimes the Premier, it’s a massive task for us because we’ve never really played too much able-bodied competition.

“It’s a test to see what level we are and put ourselves up against the best in England – it’s really exciting for us and one amazing opportunity.

Tim Holtam, founder and Director at BTTC, hopes that this combination of players within the overall team will be a powerful statement reaching beyond the club in Brighton.

“We are very excited to be competing in SBL this year and the team’s practice includes a commitment to the values of Brighton Table Tennis Club to support, guide and coach up and coming young players, whatever their social background, physical or mental challenges.”

North Ayrshire finished second in the league last season, with their experienced trio of Colin Dalgleish, Martin Johnson & Chris Main once again combining on Saturday.

Dalgleish was instrumental in their league run and returns to the squad after competing at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Main said: “We are looking forward to the first match of the season, where we welcome Premier League newcomers Brighton TTC to our club. We hope to get the season off to a positive start and keep the momentum going from last season where we finished in second place.

“Colin Dalgleish and Martin Johnson are back from international duties over the summer, as Colin was competing at Commonwealth Games and Martin competing at European Youth Championships. As always, we hope to get a good turnout at the match supporting North Ayrshire.”

The tie starts at 2pm, you can find statistics, results and fixtures by clicking here. The match is the first to be shown live on the new TTE.TV channel.

Four more teams will all get their campaigns under way on Saturday 22 October, with last season’s champions Ormesby not due to play until Saturday 12 November.