The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Program is entering its 15th year!
The partnership between the Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) and Table Tennis England is one of the most successful youth sports collaborations in London and Essex, providing young people aged 11 to 19 with the opportunities to learn, compete and thrive through table tennis.
Over the past 14 years, the program has given more than 100,000 youth the opportunity to pick up a bat, get active, connect with others and reach their potential through sport.
The aim for the next two years of our partnership program is closely aligned with the Jack Petchey Foundation’s new strategy, maximizing reach into new areas and ensuring that all young people, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to inclusive activities and opportunities to reach their potential.
Peta Cubberley, Partnerships Manager at JPF said: “As a sport, table tennis embraces our values of inclusivity and accessibility, and whether young people play for fun or competitively, the game promotes physical activity, skill development and fair play. Our long-standing relationship with Table Tennis England continues Sir Jack Petchey’s generous support and vision for table tennis in schools and youth clubs.”
Johnathon Driscoll, London Area Manager, Table Tennis England, said: “The Jack Petchey Foundation Table Tennis Program can make a real difference to young people’s lives. By providing opportunities where they are needed most, we can help young people build confidence, feel part of something positive and discover their potential – both on and off the table tennis court.”
A two-year approach for lasting change
This two-year program creates more time for schools and youth organizations to anchor activities and measure the impact.
- Year 1 (2025/26): Expands access through the Table Donation Scheme – more than 250 new tables and equipment packs will be distributed to schools and youth clubs running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme, with priority given to those in areas of greatest need. This runs parallel to the ever-popular Jack Petchey London and Essex Schools Competitions.
- Year 2 (2026/27): A further 255 table and equipment packs will be distributed for schools and youth clubs, in addition to hosting the London and Essex Schools competitions. In addition, Table Tennis England will offer teacher and youth leader training, development competitions and a special girls festival to further integrate table tennis into everyday school life.
This year we will focus on:
- Communities ranked by IMD 1-4 (the most disadvantaged quartiles)
- SEND schools and inclusive settings
- Organizations that actively promote the participation of girls
Working with partners, local councils and disability organisations, the program will extend opportunities to young people who benefit most from accessible, low-cost activities.
Building on last year’s success
In the 14th year of the programme, we reached thousands of young people in London and Essex.
Highlights included:
- 237 tables donated to schools and youth clubs (76% to new recipients)
- 1,215 young people took part in the provincial qualifiers and finals
- 120 girls participated through the girls program and the festival
- Development Competitions gave students their first experience of table tennis competitions
- 88% of participants report increased self-confidence and self-confidence
- Net Promoter Score +62, which represents exceptional enjoyment and recommendation
The impact of table tennis on schools
Table tennis is easy to get into, social in nature and inclusive for all levels – a sport that breaks down barriers and brings people together.
Feedback from teachers and players routinely highlights the impact the tables have on the playground and during PE lessons.
For example, the PE teacher at an academy in Essex said: “We have noticed a real change in the way students interact – table tennis has broken down the barriers between year groups and created new friendships across the school.”
While another teacher at a London Secondary School said: “Lunchtime has become a real attraction – students have an inviting space to relax, meet friends and play together. The sense of fun and connection is incredible.”
It provides young people with a safe, positive space to be active, learn new skills and build resilience, both on and off the table. For example, a Year 9 participant said: “Competing in the Jack Petchey competition made me feel part of something bigger – I’ve made friends from other schools and want to continue to improve.
Looking ahead
As the new academic term begins, Table Tennis England and the Jack Petchey Foundation remain committed to nurturing the potential of young people. We will continue to use table tennis to encourage confidence, leadership and connection, in line with Sir Jack’s belief that “every young person has the ability to achieve if given the chance”.
Together we will build on 15 years of success and continue to open doors through table tennis.
Join us
Table Donation Scheme
Schools and youth organizations that have signed up to the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme can now apply for the Table Donation Scheme.
Click here for more information and to complete the registration form, or contact us for more information.
Competitions
For competition details and more information about the programme, please click here.
Are you not part of the Achievement Award Scheme? Please contact the Jack Petchey Foundation directly for information on how to register.
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