Club Connect introduces more children to table tennis

Delivered at Anula Primary School with the support of the Darwin Table Tennis Association, the very first table tennis Club Connect program has been a big success, paving the way for more collaborations between schools and clubs to facilitate children’s transition to regular table tennis club participation. 

The Club Connect initiative is piloted by 18 National Sporting Organisations, including Table Tennis Australia (TTA), and is an extension to the current Sporting Schools offer aimed at linking up primary schools with local clubs. Participating schools can apply for grants and use up to $5,000 in funding to pay for the equipment and coaching services needed to deliver a table tennis introductory program after school. 

“The coaching sessions have been a fantastic way to engage a range of students across different ages and abilities, in a fun and free program,” explained Anula Primary School teacher Ryan Starkey, who is also a member and regular player at Darwin Table Tennis Association.

“It started because we wanted to get more students involved in table tennis and boost the participation in the Spinneroos program that runs at our local club. 

“Parents have loved the opportunity to get their children involved with coaching and utilising the equipment and expertise provided in their own primary school, around familiar faces,” he said.

Anula Primary used the grant funds to purchase four outdoor table tennis tables and other equipment, with the coaching sessions run by coach Graham Symons, who is also the President of TTA.

Symons said that one of the highest priorities for TTA is to accelerate participation in beginner programs for young children and create stronger links for these programs to local clubs.

“It has become more important that children get an exposure to a range of sports early in their primary school years, in a setting where they can acquire new skills while having fun. 

“Through these school programs, sports like table tennis can provide children with an opportunity to experience the sport at a young age. The sessions need to be structured so that children can experience success - it builds self-esteem and they are more likely to be motivated to continue in the sport,” he said.

According to recent surveys, fewer children are getting involved in organized sporting competition, making a link back to local sporting clubs crucial to give them a chance to participate in the sport on an ongoing basis. 

“Children are the future of a sport and if clubs are not focussed on recruiting new young members, ultimately they risk to die. 

“Clubs need to adapt their offerings to cater for children who aren't necessarily playing because they are motivated to become champions, encouraging a wider participation in sport,” Symons said.

Following the successful example of Anula Primary, other schools are already locked in with the Club Connect program in Victoria, with others expected to participate in South Australia and Queensland. 

“The program was easy to get up and running, with fantastic communication from coaches and members at Darwin Table Tennis Association. I would highly recommend other schools to liaise with them to organise something similar,” Starkey said.

Starkey agreed that initiatives like ‘Sporting Schools’ and ‘Club Connect’ are vital for students to access experienced coaches in their own primary school environment, where they feel comfortable around their peers. 

“Children could develop a lifelong love of a sport they may not otherwise have a go at,” Starkey said.