TABLE tennis in the area has received a major funding boost.

The Weymouth & District Table Tennis League has been successful in securing £13,000 in funding through Active Dorset’s Sportivate and satellite club projects.

Following a successful girls’ table tennis festival at Budmouth in March, the first Sportivate project will be girls’ and ladies’ only table tennis sessions.

These sessions will be held at All Saints School weekly across six Monday evenings, starting on June 15 and will cost £1 per session. Every player who signs up for the full project receives a free table tennis bat.

Another Sportivate project to start in September will be adult beginners’ table tennis in a similar six-week offer.

Four satellite clubs are set to start at Wey Valley School, All Saints School, Budmouth College and Dorchester Middle School.

The satellite clubs’ primary objective is to encourage 14 to 25-year-olds to play more sport, though all ages from primary school children to pensioners are encouraged to play at very little cost.

The first satellite club will be starting at the Wey Valley Tennis Centre on Wednesdays from May 6, running from 5pm to 6.30pm.

These sessions will be free to attend and all ages are welcome as Wey Valley School are keen to introduce the sport to the community and make full use of their excellent facilities.

Weymouth League development secretary Andy Millar was delighted with the news of the extra funding.

He said: “We already have established pathways for youngsters to start playing table tennis at all abilities from primary school through to sixth form.

“More and more adults are wanting to take up the sport or try and improve and play their children.

“Table tennis is a great family sport for all ages and abilities and we are pleased to offer lots of opportunities to learn and enjoy the game. Qualified coaches will be at each venue.”

  • For more details on attending any of the table tennis clubs contact Andy Millar on 07710507075 or email a.millar212@ gmail.com