Brighton TTC cemented its status as an inspiring club by winning a prestigious Sport and Recreation Alliance award.

The club was named winner of the Community Engagement Award at the 2020 Community Sport and Recreation Awards, held at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.

The trophy and prize of £1,000 was presented by HRH the Earl of Wessex at an awards lunch where guests also heard from BBC Unsung Hero Award winner, Keiren Thompson.

Brighton’s award was sponsored by the Professional Footballers’ Association and the citation read: ‘Since its inception in 2007, the club has provided more than £500,000 to the city to support youth and community work, taking table tennis to prisons, schools and a psychiatric hospital.

‘The club is already recognised as a Club of Sanctuary for its work with refugees and it also provides a safe and welcoming space for people with learning and physical disabilities, young travellers and people from the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Aside from uniting people, Brighton Table Tennis Club is a known for its success in the competitive arena, winning medals both nationally and internationally.’

BTTC co-founder Wen Wei Xu received the award and said he was incredibly proud to have been involved with the club from the very beginning. He would like to thank all of the invaluable volunteers at the club who help to make the BTTC such a special place.

Rosie Benson, Head of Clubs at Sport England was at the event and praised BTTC for its breadth of outreach work. BTTC are developing a training package in partnership with Sport England for other grassroots community sports club to become more diverse and inclusive.