Tennis exchange table: Saltburn TTC vs. Topspin TTC Durham
Inspiration and Genesis
Top spider
The match was born from a desire at Saltburn TTC to elevate the game of their group to a more competitive level. The discussion then started Pat, who had previously met Clare (North East Women and Girls Ambassador) on one of Clare’s table tennis days, connected to her. Their shared vision led to the idea of a formal tournament and the concept got Quick Momentum.
Planning and coordination
The tournament took shape about a planning window of three to four weeks. The organizers – Pat, Clare and Dave – were first considered suitable locations and eventually chose Saltburn. During the coordination between the trio – and with the participating players – the biggest challenge.
Pat took effect with her tournament experience to present realistic timelines and manage players’ numbers. Linda supported Dave in the use of group sessions in Saltburn on Monday and Wednesday evening, while Eileen, the most seasoned player of Saltburn, served everywhere as an on-call advisor.
Format and selection
With around 70 members in the Saltburn group (much from the 60s and 70s), the participation interest was high. The selection process immediately weighed an answer and enthusiasm, while also deliberately players who would benefit from the experience and 32 players were given the opportunity to play, although there was much more interest.
Pat created a tournament format that was a reflection that was previously played at ESV TT Troisdorf in Germany. The structure included two groups of 16 players (8 pairs per group), each round Robin matches over three tables per group. Matches include singles (player 1’s opposite each other and then player 2s who do the same – both the best of 3 games) followed by Doubles.
Atmosphere and highlights
Saltburn Leisure Center offered a hospitable environment, where the staff in the center was very accommodating, the competitive spirit remained friendly and players soon went to social channels to express how much they enjoyed the event.
One participant remembers that in the decisive game he improved to 9-1 to be withdrawn to 9–9 before he won a 11-9 victory. Match Point slid into another match and finished in a loss of 12-14. In the meantime, many non-selected players still showed up early to set up a beautifully received buffet with a “Graas-As-You-Wish” event with a large social buzz.
Last competitions and friendships
Two nail biting group final saw Saltburn’s Eileen Robinson & Peter Wagner Edge Durham’s Keith Swain & Care (Keith and Care?) 17–16, and Alfie & Tom beat Anne & Bob 20–19.
The day created bonds that extend beyond the court: Durham’s willingness to participate in the ESV Troisdorf tournament of October 2025 in Germany underlines the shaping friendships – and the hope of more cooperation outputs that come.
Reflections & Future Outlook
This event emphasizes the inclusive, barrier -free culture of social table tennis: age and gender disappear in the spirit of games and companionship. While overseas tournaments such as these a pose challenges – such as unpredictability in the possibilities of opponents – they also offer irreplaceable experiences built on mutual respect instead of rankings or disabilities.
Looking ahead, Saltburn is open for more events and exchanges – with a maximum of 32 players in Saltburn Leisure Center – and the club would welcome contact from other clubs that may be interested.
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