With funding from Sport NI’s Sports Systems Investment – New Governing Bodies programme, Table Tennis Ulster is excited to announce strategic support from 2023 to 2028. This programme specifically supports recognised sports organisations like ours, who have not previously been eligible for National Lottery funding through the Governing Bodies investment. The goal is to build stronger systems, expand our capacity, and provide quality, accessible experiences in table tennis for everyone in Ulster. Here’s how this funding will strengthen key areas:
Building connections with multiple organisations to grow table tennis in communities across Ulster.
Bringing table tennis to many schools, inspiring young players with coaching and competitions.
Supporting Ulster players across all levels, developing skills and creating a competitive pathway.
Through Active Schools, we bring table tennis to schools across Ulster, integrating the sport into physical education and extracurricular activities. This funding enables us to support more schools, giving students the chance to discover table tennis, build confidence, and develop healthy habits.
Bat & Chat is a social programme aimed at promoting active lifestyles for older adults. This initiative creates inclusive, friendly environments where participants can enjoy the game while staying connected. Sport NI’s support will allow us to expand these sessions, reaching more communities and promoting well-being through sport.
The Junior and Senior Challengers series is central to our competition pathway, offering tournaments for various skill levels. With this investment, we can host additional events, giving both new and seasoned players competitive experiences that promote growth, community, and skill development.
Building strong coaching frameworks is essential for the sport’s growth. Sport NI’s funding supports our Coach Development Pathway, especially the Level 1 Coach training, equipping new coaches with foundational skills to lead effective sessions. This initiative will help grow our coaching community, ensuring consistent, high-quality training across Ulster.
A skilled workforce is key to well-organised and professional events. By expanding our network of referees, umpires, and event coordinators, we can ensure smooth-running tournaments and uphold standards of fair play. Sport NI’s investment will support training programmes for these roles, enhancing our events from grassroots to competitive levels.
We are dedicated to making table tennis accessible for all, and Sport NI’s support helps us develop and expand our Para Table Tennis offerings. This funding allows us to provide adapted equipment and targeted training, creating an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive.
Partnerships with organisations such as Disability Sport NI, Parkinson’s UK, the MS Society, and the University of the Third Age (U3A) are crucial for expanding table tennis to those who benefit from its therapeutic and social aspects. This funding helps us work closely with these groups, providing programmes tailored to their members’ needs and making table tennis an accessible tool for physical and social well-being.
Thanks to Sport NI’s Sports Systems Investment, Table Tennis Ulster is better equipped to build strong, sustainable systems that will support our growth and inclusivity initiatives. This investment will have a lasting impact on the sport’s reach, quality, and accessibility throughout Ulster.
If you have a club or school project you’d like us to consider for support, please complete the contact form below, and our team will be in touch!
