Table Tennis England The Winning Edge Issue 7 | Page 11

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INNOVATE TO FLOURISH
“Recently we had a doubles week, which was really
popular, even just learning the rules and the whole
social side of things.”
Having planned for an eight-week run, the project was
extended to 10 weeks, with over 30 attending regularly
and 50 participants in total.
Millar was keen to make the sessions financially
accessible, while acknowledging the value of
participants feeling like they have a stake in the project.
“On our advertising material we said £1 a session or
eight weeks for £5, which we were able to do with
Table Tennis England funding. We then had a deal
where they can have a beginner’s bat, which costs £10
normally, for free if you pay £10 to come to all the
sessions.
“That gives them something they can take away and
play with throughout the week. We ordered 15 bats but
keep having to order more so that deal’s been great.
Having a bat also allows them to come back here or to
other clubs after these sessions have finished.”
Although these were all-female sessions for those
playing, the coaching was done mainly by men so not
having female coaches in your region doesn’t need to
be a barrier to setting up This Girl Can sessions at your
club. Increasing the number of women playing can also
positively impact on other aspects of your club and
coaching, from membership dynamics to playing styles.
“We’ve developed all-female teams in the local leagues
and players from there have been coming and helping
out. Having the This Girl Can sessions has been such
an important focal point for these players, and for our
members and coaches too.”
TIPS FOR SETTING UP A WOMEN AND GIRLS SESSION
• Don’t be shy in promoting: talk, post and write about it.
• Include as many coaches and helpers as possible and plan each session with them.
• Make it a fun, social occasion.
• Be creative with costing: suggest offers or deals, plan prizes and raffles.
• Speak to us about funding to develop new sessions for young people.