Pupils at a school in Carlton can look forward to putting their table tennis skills to the test this autumn after building work began on a new state-of-the-art training facility.
The new building, which is being part funded by Table Tennis England, is expected to open this September at Carlton le Willows Academy and will be used to develop table tennis talent and also host national competitions.
The centre will also be open to the wider community and academy head teacher Craig Weaver said he is pleased local people will also benefit.
He said: “The vision of the centre is to provide table tennis for the whole community, whether it is for recreational, social or competitive play, at whatever level people desire.
“The great thing is we would provide opportunities for children to develop from grass roots to elite level, based on recreational tennis at lunch times through to after school club coaching, from beginner to advanced level, straight through to club coaching and competition.
We want to promote not just elite opportunities for adults and young people, but also opportunities for junior schools and family participation in the sport.”
Table Tennis England talent development coach Chris Turner said: “This is a fantastic opportunity as it will allow young players to match the training times of other nations.
“Also the strong partnership with Carlton le Willows will allow us to develop players alongside their academic commitments.”
