The latest figures from Sport England this month show that table tennis participation in England has continued to rise.
Following the latest results of the Active People Survey 7 (Oct 12/13), English table tennis has recorded participation rises in both once a week and once a month statistics with nearly a quarter of a million people thought to be playing the game every month in England.
In the overall once a month figures (age 16+) participants of table tennis rose from APS 6 (Oct 11/12) 33,900 to 246,300, while there were also significant rises for the 16-25 age group (up 8,000 to 59,600) and the 26+ age group (up 25,900 to 186,700).
This progression can also be seen in the once a week figures where the overall statistics rose 11,300 to 110,100 participants – helped significantly by a 13,700 rise in participation from the 26+ age group.
Not just limited to able-bodied players, disability participation in England also continues to rise following the success of the Paralympics as both once a week (up 11,300) and once a month figures (up 33,900) display positive trends over the latest APS 12 month period.
There has also been a significant increase in participation in London as projects such as Ping! and the Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis competition have helped to boost once a month figures up by 18,000 to 62,700 active players.
English Table Tennis Association Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe said: “We are pleased that the latest Active People Survey from Sport England supports what we know, that an increasing number of people are enjoying table tennis as a regular part of their physical activity.
“We look forward to introducing new initiatives in the next year to build on progress and get even more people across all ages and abilities playing our sport.”
Written by Russell Moore (December 17, 2013)