Table Tennis is enjoyed by thousands of people across the country, as both players and spectators. However, the sport would not be able to keep running, holding league matches or tournaments, co-ordinating clubs and teams without the work and commitment of its volunteers.

Volunteering in table tennis is extremely rewarding, fun, interesting and can be a great way to see the sport close at hand. A wide range of people become involved and their work encompasses a huge variety of roles, from coach and umpire to press officer, chairperson to equipment fixer!

Table Tennis and the Volunteer Strategy

In 2003 the ETTA launched its National Volunteer Strategy. The strategy seeks to create a framework for the support of existing volunteers, reward and recognition, recruiting of new volunteers and the training of volunteer co-ordinators so that the sport can continue to exist and develop for many years to come.

Why should you volunteer?

The first question often asked is ‘why should I volunteer?’ Well, volunteering has many benefits for you, your club and your community.

You – Volunteering can open up a whole new world. It can help you to gain skills which can then be used in other jobs and careers. It can help you to meet new people and find out more about your local area and the sport. It can help to keep you fit and active too!

Your Club – Without volunteers clubs and leagues would cease to exist. The work of volunteers keeps the players on the tables, matches being played and the club running. Volunteers do a whole variety of tasks such as administration, maintaining equipment, providing and serving refreshments, fundraising, representing the clubs at meetings, coaching, ensuring child protection policies are adhered to and keeping an eye on funds – to name but a few.

Your Community – Table Tennis Clubs provide a community focus in many areas throughout the country – being a volunteer will help to keep this alive and kicking. The sport helps to keep young people off the streets and engaged in a worthwhile activity; it also keeps people fit and healthy.

How to get involved – So, you want to volunteer for table tennis? Why not go along to your nearest club and ask if there is any way you can help. If you want to know where the nearest club is check on the ETTA’s list of accredited Premier Clubs.