Table Tennis is a sport which can be played by both children & adults from about the age of 8 years up to 80 plus. In Worcester our youngest tournament player started playing at Christopher Whitehead School Coaching sessions when he was only 8 years old, and being rather small he struggled to reach the ball over the table. Table Tennis in Worcester is organised by the Worcester Table Tennis League. We have 4 Divisions with 5 or 6 teams in each Division, and 3 or possibly 4 players in each team. They play one match per week, one week at a “home” venue and the next week “away” at the oppositions venue, with teams playing each other four times in a season. For some players, one match per week is just not enough, so they join other teams and enter other Leagues. There are neighbouring Leagues at Malvern, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kidderminster, Evesham; and further afield at Dudley, Birmingham, Stratford, Cheltenham, Bromyard, Leominster and Hereford where some local players play.

Young players can play in our Youth Division and attend coaching sessions every Tuesday - for a modest charge. Anyone interested should contact David Elliott, the League Secretary at dae@tigercat.plus.com. The County of Worcestershire also has representative teams in the County Championships. At present we have a County Junior (under 17) team, two County Senior teams & two Veterans (over 40) teams. For many years there was only one Veterans team, but now we have so many older players who are keen to carry on playing at a high standard, that the County Association who organises these teams, has formed a second Veterans team. These teams consist of 3 men & 2 ladies.

In the National League, the County is split into Areas & Divisions, and County players travel far and wide for County matches. There are so many opportunities for Table Tennis players, both for representative play & also on the administrative side. Players from Worcester have travelled worldwide in both fields, and held responsible positions on the English Table Tennis Association committee, as well as serving on local committees.

So, as you can see, controlling that little white celluloid ball can offer up a very satisfying way of life, and there are many, many players who have enjoyed firstly the challenge of pitting their wits against their opponents, secondly the social aspect of the game, and thirdly the physical effort that this sport demands. What a great way to keep fit! The opportunities are there, and the committee members of the Worcester Table Tennis League are ready and willing to give all the advice and assistance you need to take up this sport. Or maybe you once played Table Tennis, and are now keen to take it up again.