College Merthyr Tydfil and Table Tennis Wales launch new ‘Table Tennis Academy and High Performance Hub’
The College Merthyr Tydfil and Table Tennis Wales, have today, signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement to launch a brand new Table Tennis Academy and High Performance Hub at the college.
Based on the Table Tennis Wales concept ‘a sport for everyone’ the partnership aims to provide an inclusive community club programme and dedicated coaching facility that will be accessible to all, providing a clear progression pathway from grassroots schools and local clubs through to high level performance across Merthyr Tydfil and the wider South Wales region.
With weekly training sessions, players from across the South Wales region are able to come into the college, receive high-class training and advance their table tennis skills.
Local player Callum Evans represented Table Tennis Wales in the Men’s Singles at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Commenting on the opportunity to train in this new academy, he said, “Having this specialist facility locally has really helped to support me to further develop my table tennis skills. I especially like the fact that we have our own dedicated training space.”
Alongside the community based element, the partnership, which is the first of its kind in South Wales, will also provide a high performance and coaching hub for college learners that wish to develop themselves as a performance player alongside their academic studies. So, whether they are studying engineering, science, beauty or construction, they will have the opportunity to combine their studies alongside three table tennis training sessions per week, all delivered by top-level dedicated coaches.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lisa Thomas, Principal at The College Merthyr Tydfil, commented, “We’re so pleased to be working with Table Tennis Wales to offer this dedicated training facility for players within the college and across the South Wales region to learn and develop their table tennis skills. This partnership will undoubtedly bring ongoing opportunities for college learners as well as our wider community and I’m looking forward to seeing some of these players go on to achieve national and international medal honours in the near future.”
Owen Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Table Tennis Wales is delighted to be working with The College Merthyr Tydfil to develop and grow participation in Table Tennis in Wales. Having this dedicated training hub will support us to develop and inspire new and existing players, promoting grassroots growth of the sport and ensuring that the next generation of Wales’ Commonwealth and Olympic Games elite athletes are provided with the very best opportunities to achieve their maximum potential.”
