The first two Pathway Development Centres in our new network of high-quality development hubs are now operational.

Joola Plymouth and Ormesby, which were announced in the first batch of PDCs in September, have started work helping to identify and develop potential elite players of the future.

This is an important step in the PDC strategy, which is outlined in the video below by Head of Performance Development, Gavin Evans, and Head of Pathway Development, Emma Vickers.

Alan Ransome OBE, Chairman of Ormesby TTC, said: “The Ormesby Club are pleased to be part of the Table Tennis England Pathway Development programme. 

“The club is well known for producing many players over recent decades who have progressed to represent England in international competitions, and we are confident that being part of the Pathway Development Centre network will give us the opportunity to provide a further batch from this part of England.

“Like many others, the club has been affected by the lockdowns associated with Covid and are, therefore, keen to re-establish a new group of players to participate in this programme. We are pleased with the applications we have received to date and cooperation that we are receiving from other clubs in the North East.”

The Joola Plymouth squad will be under the supervision of PDC coach Henry Tam. The club’s Lead Coach, Paul Whiting, said: “Joola Plymouth TTC are excited to start a new partnership with TTE becoming a PDC.

“This new initiative will enable the club to grow a new cohort of young players that will start their journey on a performance pathway. 

“The club will grow and develop its coaching workforce and engage with the community and local primary schools.”

Emma Vickers said: “It’s fantastic to see our first two Pathway Development Centres become operational. The PDCs will first focus on building their squads and recruiting new players across a range of development initiatives.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing their progress and supporting them to become leading talent hubs in their areas.”

What is the PDC strategy?

The PDC strategy aims to create a network of high-quality development hubs around the country to support players aged from eight to 15.

The overarching aims are to:

• Develop players with world-class technical and fundamental skills relative to their age, ready to excel in the pathway
• Develop creative and fun environments that keep players motivated
• Create an early investment in good habits and behaviours
• Support coaches to excel in developing elite youth players

The PDCs will be a critical step at the start of players’ journeys to develop world-class potential and will bridge the gap from entry level initiatives such as school-club links, under-eights sessions and TT Kidz into the England squad programmes.

PDCs will ensure a unified and consistent approach to talent development, with national and local coaches working together on every stage of players’ technical, physical, and mental development.

Click here to read more about the PDC strategy.