The Future of Birmingham Table Tennis Academy

Hi,

My name is Edward Lynn and I am a professional, experienced and established  table tennis coach who currently runs Birmingham Table Tennis Academy. 

Since the Academy opened, 

over six-hundred players have registered, many of whom have reached county standard or reached a high club standard. A few top national level players have also been supported along the way. The Academy has enabled Young individuals to escape poverty and crime which is rife within inner-city Birmingham. The Academy is a sanctuary for the most vulnerable and also provides regular opportunities to achieve excellence through coaching sessions, competitions, league matches and other academic pathways, such as volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Clearly, the Academy has drastically improved lives; many success stories are continually unfolding and I will feature some of these stories in updates. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Academy is losing all of its equipment and funding is being cut. As a result, we urgently need to purchase new equipment in order to continue building, expanding and supporting the most vulnerable, with regards to table tennis, across the city of Birmingham and the West Midlands region.

Furthermore, the coaching team is also very small due to financial constraints, therefore financial support would enable the academy to maintain and grow its skilled coaches who are supportive, generous volunteers from across the community. 

In addition, the Academy hosts open play and coaching for all; A new project has been introduced recently which focuses on 4-8 year olds and I would really love for this to continue as it develops table tennis skills and mental-well-being from a young age, especially after our problematic pandemic. 

Moreover, a newly formed singles league and other events are regularly organised for all ages to promote competition and create a socially friendly environment with opportunities for all players to socialise and integrate.

We desperately need equipment to provide further provision, not only for new players, but also for national events; U11's as one example. This would really help to grow our sport, our younger players and would provide further opportunity not just for those living in Birmingham, but nationwide.

Many people actively involved in the sport fully understand the love I have for table tennis, the ambition and desire that lives with me daily. Letting our sport down isn't an option. Any support received would be well and truly appreciated.