WEYMOUTH & District League secretary Andy Millar has received more good news that the league will receive a further £500 from Sport England’s small grant programme, taking their bid award up to £9,600.
The project’s aim is to increase table tennis participation within schools with particular attention focused on the formation of after-school clubs – an area that the WDTTL has already been pro-active with this season.
A delighted Millar now hopes that the funding will be an immense help to maintain the soaring interest in the sport and increase participation further, especially in the schools where the money is to largely be spent.
The secretary has now released details on how the grant is to be utilised, with much of the funding enabling the league to purchase tables, nets and barriers for local schools with the agreement that the schools then play their part by collaborating closely with the league to increase participation.
Millar said: “The overall aim from the league’s point of view is to provide pathways for school players into local league table tennis. Apart from equipment, the project also includes funding to help towards a disability awareness session, a junior leaders award and a teacher training course in the sport.
“We have been busy this season setting up after-school clubs at Budmouth, All Saint’s and Wey Valley, which has led to the formation of a junior league comprising 24 teams from these schools together with Holy Trinity and Chickerell.”
Millar hopes that the purchasing of so much equipment will help school clubs expand while enabling others to start up.
He added: “The new equipment will also have a knock-on effect in helping the WDTTL to continue to run and expand league coaching sessions as the popularity of the sport continues to soar locally.”
“All players over the age of eight years are welcome to join our coaching sessions that cater for all abilities from beginners to advanced play.”
n For more information on all table tennis playing opportunities in South Dorset, Millar can be contacted on 07710507075 or 772743.
For all the latest news from the Weymouth & District League go to weyttl.org.uk
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