13/09/09

Our decision to have a Summer League for the first time in many years has been well and truly vindicated by the tremendous support we have had from so many of our members. The League came to an end only last week after an enforced break but the spirit which has been engendered throughout the Summer will, i am sure, permeate through to the  Winter  League. Thanks go to all who took part, with special mention of Rod Hullah and David Wood for their work behind the scenes .

This week heralds the start of our new Winter League season for teams outside of the First Division, who start in two weeks time.The introduction of 4 additional teams, including one brand new club - Scissett Middle School - has lead to a reshuffling of the League structure. This year we shall have two divisions of at least 12 teams contesting Divisions 2a and 2b to determine next season's Divisions 2 and 3. The winners of each section will win promotion to Division 1 with the next 5 teams in each section forming Division 2 together with the teams relegated from Division 1. It promises to be an interesting experiment, allowing teams to find their true level, whilst providing some tough competition throughout the two sections.

We welcome Scissett Middle School to the League, having come through the regular Thursday evening coaching sessions to a standard where they are expected to be highly competitive -  good luck to them !

Our thanks also go to Deighton Leisure Centre who have built on their successful first season in the League by introducing a third team, whilst the strong Scissett WMC club are themselves adding a third team for the first time and are expected to acquit themselves well this season.

Kingsmith Engineering, already boasting 8 teams in the League have expanded beyond their capacity and now have a team playing their home matches from Newsome. A late addition to the numbers has seen Golcar Liberal Club adding a second team. A late withdrawal of Marsh B team means that we have a net growth this year of 5 teams ! !

The challenge to attract more people of all ages to our sport goes on. We are holding a " Come and Try it " session at Newsome on Saturday 19th ( 10 .00am - 1.00pm ) when we hope to show what Table tennis has to offer to everyone who comes through the door.

The following week we are starting a " Saturday Club " aimed at youngsters 9 - 16 where the League's new team of coaches can encourage young people to really enjoy Table Tennis and consider it as their sport for the future. Our newly developed " Coaching and Development " section within this web site is worth checking out on a regular basis to see just what is going on.

 

Enough from me for now, save to say that, as ever, i hope every member of our League has an enjoyable Winter season. For those reading these notes from outside of our current league structure, i would say please come and join us. We try to welcome allcomers, whatever their ability, so please get in touch through one of the contacts listed on our main page.

Our thanks to the Marsh Club for hosting the recent AGM and welcoming us so warmly. The meeting provoked some excellent exchange of views and generally supported the Committee's expansionist proposals - very encouraging !

What a pity that the evening got off to such a low-key start with so few of  last season's award winners bothering to turn up to collect their trophies. We need to address this over the next 12 months

The Summer League season continues to be highly successful and competitive. An encouraging number of our youngsters are enthusiastically competing every week in the Mixed Ability Doubles - another key stage in their development as Table Tennis players.

We are already planning the Winter League and if any new teams or individuals would like to join us in September then NOW is the time to contact us. With at least 5 new teams already committed, the Huddersfield Table Tennis League is expanding with some vigour !