Table tennis clubs play a vital role in their local community and regularly provide people with the opportunity to be active, social and competitive. By connecting with their local Active Partnership, clubs can significantly expand their reach and amplify their impact.
Active partnerships work strategically in their regions to increase physical activity, reduce inactivity and support community well-being. When table tennis clubs connect with them, they gain access to broader insight, support and opportunities that can help them grow sustainably.
One of the key benefits is a better understanding of local needs. Active partnerships contain valuable data on participation trends, disparities and priority communities. This information can help clubs shape sessions that respond to real local demand, whether targeting specific age groups, supporting people with disabilities or developing activities for women and girls. This can strengthen project development and financing applications.
Partnership also opens doors to a new audience. These organizations work closely with schools, community organizations, healthcare providers and local authorities. Through these connections, table tennis clubs have access to new locations, referral pathways and promotional opportunities that are difficult to reach on their own.
There are already strong examples of the impact of this work across the South West. Active Cornwall has provided seed funding to support the launch of a Bat and Chat session for the over 55s and is working with the table tennis community to strengthen links with schools, including hosting an inclusive festival and relaunching the County Schools Competition. These connections help broaden participation and create sustainable pathways between schools and clubs.
In Gloucestershire, the table tennis community has engaged with Active Gloucestershire by attending a physical activity and health event, connecting clubs and volunteers with a wide range of community groups and partners. Members also took part in a Clubs Development evening and Safeguarding and Welfare training, supporting both the quality and sustainability of local services.
In Avon, Bristol Civil Service Table Tennis Club shared the promotion of their Women and Girls session with WESPORT, which was then distributed through the Bristol Girls Can Network. This simple connection helped the club reach new audiences and increase awareness of opportunities focused on women and girls. In Weston-super-Mare, Weston TTC joined the Opening Schools Facilities Fund, supporting the creation of a new venue and increasing local access to the sport.
In Somerset the connections are at an earlier stage, but there is significant potential. The Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership has secured significant place-based funding for coastal communities, including Bridgwater. The first connections will be made through briefings for delivery staff, raising awareness of table tennis and exploring how it can contribute to local priorities.
Funding and staff support are another key benefit of working with active partnerships in the South West. They are often aware of the local situation and are responsible for disseminating national funding flows, training opportunities and development programs. Clubs connected to these networks are better placed to identify resources, upskill volunteers and plan realistic, well-supported projects.
Collaboration with these organizations also strengthens the profile and credibility of a club. Being part of a wider local network demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, quality and community impact, allowing clubs to build trust with partners, attract volunteers and promote opportunities to play.
Ultimately, the link with organizations such as Active Cornwall, Active Gloucestershire, WESPORT and SASP will help table tennis clubs go beyond standalone deliveries and become part of a co-ordinated local approach to physical activity, known as place-based working. By sharing knowledge, aligning priorities and working together, clubs can reach more people and ensure table tennis continues to thrive within their community.
If your club is interested in developing closer links with the local Active Partnership organisation, you can find contact details through the national Active Partnerships network:
https://www.activepartnerships.org/active-partnerships
Engaging in initial conversation is a positive first step, and small connections can often lead to meaningful and lasting growth opportunities.
A quick guide for table tennis clubs
Start local
Identify your local active partnership and make first contact. You can find yours here:
https://www.activepartnerships.org/active-partnerships
Share what you do
Explain who your club reaches, when you play and what you want to develop. This could include schools, the elderly, inclusivity, women and girls or social play.
Listen to local priorities
Active partnerships can share insights into local needs, priority communities and available funding. Use this information to shape realistic and relevant activities.
Look for small opportunities
Joint promotion, attending a networking meeting or giving a trial session can be the starting point for longer-term work.
Build relationships
Partnerships grow over time. Regular contact helps clubs access training, funding, venues and wider community networks.
Celebrate and share success
Sharing good news values volunteers, promotes local playing opportunities and helps inspire others in the table tennis community.
Link back to the South West Area page
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