In March pupils of Askwith Primary, a small rural school near Otley, were given the opportunity to pick up a bat and try something new. In a collaboration between Table Tennis England and the Harrogate School Games Organiser, Ruth Whitehead, the event was designed to give young people living in a geographically challenging place a taste of table tennis.
The event was a shining example of a national governing body engaging proactively with School Games Organisers covering both Harrogate and Ilkley to identify a group of young people that might not ordinarily have the chance to engage in many events due to challenges around travel costs, and to provide young leaders from Ilkley Grammar School with the time to develop their coaching and leadership skills.
The event was also supported by local coach, Bob Moffat, who is passionate about the positive impact that table tennis can have on a young person’s development.
At North Yorkshire Sport we are excited to see these kinds of events happening in the areas that need it the most and hope to collaborate with more NGB’s and sports in the new academic year. Utilising coaches with links to local clubs is essential as it allows us to create follow up opportunities for young people which in turn, increases the sustainability of our efforts.
You can read more about this fantastic event here: Spotlight on North Yorkshire young sports leaders – Table Tennis England
If you would like to collaborate with a School Games Organiser in North Yorkshire and create more opportunities for our children and young people, please email Ruth Whitehead at ruth@northyorkshiresport.co.uk.
