Empowering Girls in Table Tennis: SHEplays Talent Event Triumph

SHEplays Girls’ Talent Event in Nottingham Celebrates Young Female Table Tennis Players

The inaugural SHEplays Girls’ Talent event in Nottingham was a resounding success, as 30 young female table tennis players showcased their skills and received expert guidance from a team of dedicated female coaches.

The day-long program offered participants aged 8-11 a chance to explore various aspects of the sport, including multiball drills, service practice, fun games, and fundamental skill development. Leading the coaching efforts were the impressive SHEcoaches Cohort – Emily Bolton, Eva Toth, Joanne Green, and Colette Neenan – along with Gordon Fearn, the GB Futures Lead Coach.

“The SHEplays day was a remarkable platform of talent and inspiration, as we hosted 30 girls actively participating and showcasing their skills. We were incredibly grateful that Anna Hursey was able to support on the day. Anna was not only a source of inspiration for the girls but has served as a role model for them to aspire towards.” – Evie Collier, Performance Logistics Officer at Table Tennis England

The highlight of the event was a special Q&A session with Anna Hursey, the 17-year-old GB athlete who has qualified for her first Olympic Games in Paris this summer. The girls had the invaluable opportunity to gain insights into Anna’s table tennis journey and be inspired by her remarkable achievements.

Gordon Fearn echoed these sentiments, adding:

“It was great to see so many female players and coaches coming together to participate in the talent ID day. This gave a wonderful opportunity to create a positive environment where they could gain confidence to help them on their journey to reach their full potential.”

The SHEplays Girls’ Talent event underscored the importance of mentorship and support in nurturing young female athletes within the table tennis community. As Table Tennis England continues to explore ways to engage and empower girls in the talent pathway, this inaugural event has set a promising foundation for the future.

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