Our new performance home at the EISS is really starting to take shape, with athletes transitioning into their training in Sheffield. I’m thrilled to hear that so many coaches from the community are visiting Sheffield to witness our GB performance programme in action. It’s crucial that coaches passionate about developing elite athletes spend time at the EISS, learning from one another. We will continue to offer more opportunities for coaches as our programme settles after the Games.
Carlo Agnello, our new national coach, joined us in March and is instrumental in leading our youth programmes. Carlo comes to us after 12 years of leading the Belgium National Youth Programme.
Our qualification journey is ongoing, with athletes’ final chance to secure a spot at the Olympic Games coming at the Continental Singles Qualification Event in Bosnia next month. From a world ranking perspective, our athletes are in a good position, and I wish them the very best in their attempts to qualify. Our preparation camp for Paris will be held in Sheffield, and we’ll be bringing in sparring partners from abroad to support our preparations.
The European Youth Championships are fast approaching. After the Mark Bates Ltd Junior National Championships in early May, the Selection Panel will meet to choose the athletes for this summer’s event. The youth teams are working hard, and those selected for this event have an exciting period of preparation ahead.
I updated you last month on the development of a Technical Officials Academy. I’m pleased to say that a survey is now out and has already seen great engagement. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete this. If you haven’t yet, and would like your views, ideas, and comments about officiating in table tennis heard, please click here.
It’s been six months since the Table Tennis England Board approved the implementation of the National Competition Review, and work is ongoing to prepare for a new-look league and tournament calendar from 2024/25 onwards. The Review aims to deliver the right format, frequency, location, and standard of competition across all demographics, for existing and potential members, creating a blueprint for a fully ‘fit-for-purpose’ competition programme to support the future growth and success of table tennis.
A new area on the Table Tennis England website brings together key information and resources in a ‘one-stop-shop’ where members can find everything they need to know about the new structure. This section will be updated regularly as the Review progresses, with some changes happening next season and the remainder in 2025/26.
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