England No 1 Kelly Sibley and Table Tennis England Performance Coach Alan Cooke thrilled pupils from three schools as they passed on their skills and passion for the sport.

The duo visited Fullhurst Community College in Leicester, where students were joined by their counterparts from two other local schools – Ellesmere Sports College and St Mary’s C of E Primary School.

The day, part of the Leicester Electricity TTC Schools Engagement Programme, started with Alan and Kelly attending an assembly at St Mary’s C of E Primary where a question and answer session took place with the Year 5 pupils.

Once the assembly had finished Alan and Kelly were transported to Fullhurst Community College where a programme of table tennis and Speed & Agility activities took place. With three different activities available the schools were rotated through a table tennis skills section, a matchplay section and also a ladders and speed reaction section.

At the end of a very busy morning an exhibition match between Alan and Kelly took place, to the delight and enjoyment of all present, expertly umpired by Steve White.

After a short break for lunch all the VIPs were shown around Fullhurst and the headteacher Tom Campbell explained the positive impact that the tables had had within the school by being placed in the foyer during the lunch break. It was explained that daily lunchtime matches and tournaments take place and they are all organised by the pupils.

In the afternoon the pupils from Fullhurst were given a Masterclass by Alan on multi-ball and after a demonstration with Kelly the pupils were all given the chance to experience multi-ball first-hand.

This will now lay the foundation for the future hosting of regular table tennis sessions at Fullhurst, St Mary’s and Ellesmere. Leicester Electricity TTC are determined to see table tennis grow over the coming months.

Thanks to Fullhurst for hosting the day and their hospitality, to Aimstrongsport for organising the events and providing the Speed & Agility equipment, and to all at Leicester Electricity TTC who supported the day and helped run the activities.