Nice One Cippenham!

[Spinmaster]

The concept of taking Table Tennis into your shopping area is a good one in my opinion bring the sport to the people rather than lettign them find out themselves, the display in schools etc has long been a great source of new talent with new players coming in their droves after displays are put on. The hard work obviously is retention after the players begin the practice but surely more displays in whatever location is a good thing well done to Cippenham.


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Shoppers in Queensmere Shopping Centre, Slough, were treated to something extra last Saturday. Courtesy of Cippenham Table Tennis Club, visitors could enjoy demonstrations by some of the country’s finest table tennis players and try out the sport for themselves.

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Interest was huge with large crowds gathering to catch a glimpse of the action. Much of the public were sacrificing shopping time for queuing time, just to challenge one of the Cippenham players to a game.

"There is certainly some undiscovered talent out there" said Martin Adams, current Berkshire Men’s Singles Champion. "Its one of those sports that many people play fairly well as a hobby, but few take it to the next level. This event lets people know that there is a local club for those who want to take the sport further, or just have some fun participating in the fastest ball sport in the World."

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The Cippenham TTC Chairman, Graham Trimming, was on hand to describe the great work that the club and its volunteers do for the community. “Our coaching volunteers regularly visit schools and the club has helped to turn ordinary boys and girls into National Champions.”

Image 1: Cippenham member Ollie Valdez challenges all comers to a game.
Image 2: Cippenham TTC’s Steve Munson takes on the public.
Image 3: The public sacrifice shopping time for queueing time for a turn on the table.

Courtesy of ETTA

[Jose]

It was mainly as a result of some exhibitions that Ormesby put on in the Cleveland Centre in Middlesbrough just a few years ago, when we were without club premises, that we were referred to the Recreation Department and managed to get our new premises on Cargo Fleet Lane. These exhibitions in shopping centres are a great way to promote the sport and you never know what may come of such enterprise, hard work though it is. Well done, Cippenham!

[Spongebob!]

Totally agree - I think its a great idea - it's an opportunity to promote the sport and show the local talent at all levels, i.e., up and coming 8 - 11 olds (who attend coaching), 11 - 18 (playing in local league, representing the town and county - may also be ranked nationally in their age group), 19 onwards - playing local league, town, county, british league etc etc.

There is sure to be an interest from passers by - let them see the talent, spin, speed and skill involved. Let them have a go - again, there is sure to be people who would like a turn (previously played in the past) who would enjoy it and have a lot of fun.

Parents and grandparents could be with their children and grandchildren - encourage them to have a knock with each other - a little competition - small prizes.

Promote the local coaching clubs - its successes etc etc - arrange for local press to be there. Offer incentives, i.e., the first 5 weeks free - or try and get local sponsorship from the City Council or businesses. You may be surprised that opportunities might come forward, i.e., from passers by or passers by who know local contacts / businesses etc.

Promote the healthy living side of playing a sport - all exercise is good.

Great opportunity to promote the sport - boost interest in all age groups playing (whether that it to get people to play who have never previously played - or get those who have previously played to take up the sport again).

Also take the opportunity to promote the local leagues, teams and venues - get them to come along and see for themselves. They may take you up on it.

Any opportunity to promote the sport would be positive!!

[Firepower]

Totally agree - I think its a great idea - it's an opportunity to promote the sport and show the local talent at all levels, i.e., up and coming 8 - 11 olds (who attend coaching), 11 - 18 (playing in local league, representing the town and county - may also be ranked nationally in their age group), 19 onwards - playing local league, town, county, british league etc etc.

There is sure to be an interest from passers by - let them see the talent, spin, speed and skill involved. Let them have a go - again, there is sure to be people who would like a turn (previously played in the past) who would enjoy it and have a lot of fun.

Parents and grandparents could be with their children and grandchildren - encourage them to have a knock with each other - a little competition - small prizes.

Promote the local coaching clubs - its successes etc etc - arrange for local press to be there. Offer incentives, i.e., the first 5 weeks free - or try and get local sponsorship from the City Council or businesses. You may be surprised that opportunities might come forward, i.e., from passers by or passers by who know local contacts / businesses etc.

Promote the healthy living side of playing a sport - all exercise is good.

Great opportunity to promote the sport - boost interest in all age groups playing (whether that it to get people to play who have never previously played - or get those who have previously played to take up the sport again).

Also take the opportunity to promote the local leagues, teams and venues - get them to come along and see for themselves. They may take you up on it.

Any opportunity to promote the sport would be positive!!

The whole display debate is one that many leages need to start and concentrate upon with so many positives coming from well planned and delivered displays. New players can be astounded by top class displays and im sure any good players worth their salt are more than keen to help leages.

Well done Cippenham:thumbsup: