TABLE TENNIS: Grantham club prepares for next season before current has ended

Cliffedale Chandlers Table Tennis Club is preparing for the next season before the current one has ended by holding a Cadet and Junior training session.

More than 30 of the club’s young players attended the six hour intense training session in which the club’s coaches put them through their paces by working on all aspects of the game, including footwork, serve and receive, match tactics, anticipation and technique, as well as fitness and setting goals.

For many of the participants this was their first session of this type. They usually attend the club’s regular two hour sessions, but these enhanced sessions are more intense and used by the club to help develop other aspects of the players game that they do not usually get time to do in other sessions.

They also use it as an opportunity to help as part of the selection process for the club’s Cadet and Junior League teams who will be competing next season.

The club, which is in its 20th year, has seen a steady increase in membership numbers, going from just over 20 members a few years ago to more than 120 now.

The club enters teams into the National Cadet League and the National Junior League, as well as teams in the Senior British League and Women’s British League.

The players were joined at this session by Grantham College Table Tennis Academy player Matt Leete who is also a club member and has had a hugely successful season so far, after claiming the top prizes in most of the competitions he has entered this year, as well as a 52-unbeaten match run earlier in the season. He was able to offer the young players advice and inspiration.

Matt himself has come up through the ranks of the club’s various teams and is on the brink of breaking into the England Seniors Men’s setup, mainly due to his training ethic and dedication which the club hope will spur on the next generation of the club’s players.

Feedback from the day’s training was extremely positive from the Cadet and Junior players and from parents, with many thoroughly enjoying the day. The club’s coaches were also very pleased with the effort and determination shown by the players.

l Cliffedale Chandlers are always looking for new members of all ages, genders and abilities and hold training sessions at The Meres leisure centre on Tuesday evenings 7-9pm, Fridays 7-8.30pm, and two sessions on Saturdays, 12-2pm and 2-4pm. For more information or any queries, check out the club’s Facebook page which is updated on a regular basis.