One of the legacies of the Commonwealth Games is to engage more children into table tennis with TT Kidz providing a framework for this. Close to 40 fun, engaging and inspiring programmes will be delivered by 28 clubs for children aged 7-11 in the Autumn making this our biggest phase yet with still some clubs finalising their plans to add to this total.
The TT Kidz programme is designed to be the best first experience of the game to children. As part of the eight-week programme, children receive their own kit bag containing a bat, balls, activity book and t-shirt.
10 clubs have been inspired to start their own TT Kidz programmes for the first time having seen the success of previous phases. Each of these clubs will receive a kit bag containing everything needed to deliver the programme including bats, balls and cups all contained within a easy to carry holdall bag; perfect for delivering taster programmes in schools.
As well as this, each club will receive lesson plans, training and have access to our online bank of activity cards and videos to support them in their delivery. Through delivering TT Kidz clubs can build school-club links to continue engaging more children into the game.
Table Tennis England recently spoke to clubs who have delivered TT Kidz in the last year and they highlighted that their junior sections have continued to grow after the eight-week programme finished.
Prior to Coronavirus, we had about five juniors. Now, supported by TT Kidz, we have about forty. TT Kidz has been a catalyst for this change.
TT Kidz CLUB
Not just new children too as one club has found:
It’s escalated. We’ve got parents that come and have joined as a member to be able to play with their kids. We’ve since had two parents and a neighbour join us as members.
TT Kidz CLUB
As part of our gender parity goal, we will also be supporting seven clubs to deliver girls only programmes based on a successful pilot. Find out more here!
In addition to clubs delivering TT Kidz, Table Tennis England are also working with Everyone Active, a large Leisure Centre operator to deliver the programme engaging yet even more children. One of the barriers identified by clubs has been finding additional venue space as well as volunteers to deliver the programme. It’s hoped by engaging with Everyone Active we can grow the number of opportunities for children to try table tennis and for those that are keen to progress further to move into a club environment.
It’s great that clubs are wanting to use TT Kidz to grow their junior sections and it’s a programme that’s proving successful. We know that TT Kidz can act as a catalyst for junior growth with clubs using it to kick start a beginner’s session and then children enjoying the game bringing their friends. We’re excited to be working with all the clubs and supporting them to deliver the programme, providing more children to try table tennis.
Youth Participation Lead Chris Turner
For more information on TT Kidz in clubs please visit: https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/tt-kidz/clubs/
If your club would like to deliver TT Kidz this Autumn and be part of our biggest ever phase please email the TT Kidz team [email protected].
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