A City of Busselton Community Bids grant has assisted the launch of Busselton’s own junior table tennis league.
Smash Hit Junior Table Tennis Club will hold its first training session next Wednesday, January 9.
The club offers an introductory program for juniors aged between eight to 18. It is a chance for aspiring players to learn the basics of table tennis in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
The grant has been used to purchase international table tennis standard tables, bats and balls for competition level.
City of Busselton community development officer Naomi Davey said the club was successful in the Community Bids due to its plan to grow participation in the sport and engage youth.
Head Coach for the new club will be current WA Country Player of the Year and Geographe Bay Table Tennis captain, Matt Cheng.
Cheng is currently coaching South West under 13 champion Obie Herring and will be assisted in coaching by fellow club members.
Cheng said table tennis was great for physical well-being and also honed children’s mental capabilities.
“The sport is obviously great for hand-eye coordination but it is a sport controlled by your own hand, no one else, so if you make a mistake or lose a point it is on you, so you have to be really brave to go for it and not be afraid of making a mistake,” he said.
“It teaches you to control your emotions and have mental discipline.”
Geographe Bay Table Tennis Club committee member Yvonne Cleal agreed and said table tennis was a sport for everyone.
“Some kids don’t like big team sports,” she said.
“In table tennis, you can play individually or have that teamwork aspect in doubles – plus there is still the camaraderie by being part of a club.
“Table tennis is something you can play from a young age all the way through to your 90s.”
Training will be held at High Street Hall every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. It costs $6 per session, with a 10 week program launching after the school holidays.
To register, email junior coordinator, Carolyn Herring, on carolyn.herring1979@gmail.com.
