The female ambassador programme was launched in March 2019. The aim of the programme was to elevate the profile of female volunteers in table tennis and share how they got into the sport.
The Female Ambassadors are involved in the sport in a wide range of ways from coaching to playing and there are 17 in total, representing clubs and leagues all over the country.
One of those who signed up was Erin Green from Draycott & Long Eaton TTC. Erin got into table tennis through her parents and was ranked 10th in Juniors at the end of the 2019 season.
As well as playing, Erin is a joint squad captain and is an assistant coach at the club for an under-eights session. The main reason Erin signed up to the programme was to encourage girls to play the sport, as she outlines in this video:
We are looking to expand on and develop the programme and re-open applications. We are keen to hear from women who are actively involved in table tennis, such as umpiring at local events, and have a passion to engage more into the sport. Those who will be part of the programme will be asked to share their story but also support Table Tennis England at a local level for example at events or conferences.
As well as Female Ambassadors, we are also keen to engage with men who have supported women and girls in any training or development. The programme aims to celebrate women but also realise that without some support from others, it would have been much harder for them to enjoy and achieve in the sport. This could be a male family member getting their daughter into the sport or being a mentor to an umpire-in-training.
If you are interested in becoming a Female Ambassador or sharing your story of how you have helped women or girls in your club or league, please fill out the below form.
[ninja_form id=225]