Four Coach Mentors are helping Table Tennis England increase the support we provide to coaches in these challenging times and beyond.

The quartet of highly qualified coaches will be available for online consultations with coaches at any stage of their careers, as we launch the Coach Mentoring Programme.

The four are Gordon Fearn, Stephen Gertsen, Natalie Green and Paul Whiting, all of whom have a wealth of playing and coaching experience.

Between them, they have expertise in a huge number of areas and can offer help, guidance and support to coaches who are looking to upskill and develop.

Paul Whiting said: “Mentoring is an incredibly good way to develop your skills as a coach, learn new things and also increase your confidence as a coach.

“For me, mentoring as part of my UKCC Level 4 qualification was really important. It gave me a chance to discuss things with another coach, talk about the practices I was using and maybe come up with some ideas of how to improve those practices.”

The Coach Mentoring Programme builds on support we have offered coaches during the recent lockdowns and periods of restriction, including our series of webinars on a wide range of subjects.

And although it is important to offer this support during this period of uncertainty, the Coach Mentor Programme will continue to be of huge benefit to the coaching community well beyond that as we move back towards normality.

Table Tennis England Coaching and Education Officer Craig Bryant said: “We’re offering the Coach Mentor Programme so that coaches can connect with experts virtually.

“It’s not always possible to travel and meet with experts, so with coaches connecting with our mentors we’re creating more opportunities to share good practice and encourage learning and progression.”

Coaching and Education Manager Aled Howell added: “We are excited to launch the Coach Mentor Programme to further develop our coaches. The programme will continue to grow by adding more tutors with various expertise and backgrounds.”

Online sessions with a mentor will cost £22.50, 90% of which goes to the mentor – click here to find out more about the individual mentors and to book an appointment.