Super-clubs (2)

Over the border a network of large-scale clubs is developing (although in England they aren't called super-clubs).
In the North West Table Tennis Development Newsletter (Summer 2005) two new examples were announced.

The Blackpool Table Tennis Centre was expected to be opening its doors on 25 June this year. Catering for junior coaching, league matches and casual play, the twelve court hall will be used for table tennis on three evenings per week.

The Preston Table Tennis Centre, which was being built as part of a new 5M centre at St. Augustine's in Avenham was due to be opening its doors for the first time on 01 August this year. The dedicated eight court table tennis hall will be available 5 evenings per week and will become the home of many clubs and a centre for junior coaching in the Preston area.

So! ... just why are these large units in Sports Centre surroundings becoming so fashionable?

With one eye on such things as "Health & Safety" regulations, and "Children's Rights", we are inclined to suspect that the only future for organised table tennis might be in large facilities in purpose-built surroundings. Large facilities to draw in sufficient members to share out the effort of meeting the regulatory burden, and purpose built facilities to offer a playing environment that is as safe as it is possible to get.

Seen from this perspective, the Welsh super-clubs proposals seem to us to be a good move in the right direction.