On Monday, 3rd March, Askwith Primary School in North Yorkshire played host to an exciting Under-11 TT Kidz Festival, celebrating table tennis and giving children who had never played table tennis before the chance to enjoy fun, skill-building activities in a supportive environment. This event was partnered with North Yorkshire Sport, and School Games and Children and Young Persons Support Officer, Ruth Whitehead.

The festival saw an impressive turnout, with 57 enthusiastic participants from the primary school coming together to take part in an afternoon full of energy, teamwork, and table tennis development. The event aimed to encourage children to get active and involved in sport from an early age, all while promoting the core values of respect, perseverance, and enjoyment.

Supporting the smooth delivery of the day were 9 fantastic young leaders from Ilkley Grammar School. These students brought positivity, leadership, and encouragement to every activity, helping to guide participants through each station and creating a brilliant atmosphere throughout the event.

Also lending his support was Bob Moffatt, a dedicated member of the local organising group, who praised the day’s impact: “I am here at the school today supporting Table Tennis England, with young people from the local secondary school. We are using the facilities here and getting young children to think about their hand-eye coordination, we’re getting them hitting balls and they’re getting a feel for things. It’s all fun and it’s all about them enjoying themselves”. Bob brought valuable experience and coordination to ensure the festival ran seamlessly. His involvement was instrumental in making the event a success.

The event focused on developing key motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination, while giving children a chance to experience the joy of table tennis in a supportive environment. Through a series of games, challenges, and rallies, participants got a feel for the sport and a boost in confidence.

The TT Kidz Festival was not just a hit with the children, but also highlighted the power of community collaboration—bringing together primary schools, secondary school leaders, and sports organisations to create a memorable experience for all involved.