Two more dates have been added to let table tennis supporters share their thoughts on a strategy to grow the number of women and girls in our sport.
Following positive feedback about the previous two sessions offered – Pontefract and Bristol – we have added an additional two dates for people to attend, one in London and one in Corby.
The consultation sessions are aimed at allowing female members of the table tennis family, and others who are passionate about engaging women and girls in sport, to share their own experiences and thoughts on a Women and Girls Action Plan.
Of our current membership, only 11% are female, a figure which has been largely static for a number of years.
As a Governing Body we are keen to close the gap between male and female participation, coaching and officiating and ensure a welcoming and engaging environment for females across all areas of the sport.
The central aims of the Action Plan include:
- Promoting women in our sport who are inspirational role models for girls growing up in the sport.
- Providing clubs and leagues all the information and tools they need to ensure that the environment is welcoming and appealing for female players.
- Supporting female coaches who are already delivering table tennis and ensure barriers are removed for those wanting to take the first steps into becoming a coach.
- Establishing national partnerships to drive the publicity of the sport for women and girls and engage with new audiences.
- Developing programmes to support women at different stages of their lives, understanding that they will have different levels of motivation and availability depending on their life stage.
The two additional sessions will take place on:
- Saturday October 27 at Corby Smash Table Tennis Club, Unit G, Marconi Courtyard, 100 Brunel Rd, Corby NN17 4LT from 12.00 – 15.00
- Tuesday October 30 at Greenhouse Sports, 35 Cosway Street, London, NW1 5NS from 18.00 – 21.00