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Mark Smith, who grew up in Clayton, plays and coaches at international level. With the help of skilled local players, he wants to give young children a chance to get involved.
It’s good for young people to learn about table tennis, he says. “The game is a great way to support children’s academic work while improving concentration in a relaxing way. It develops hand-eye coordination, quick reactions and fitness.
“And of course it’s very beneficial socially, including meeting new friends against other schools. Some youngsters then want to reach a higher level and play regionally, nationally and internationally. This experience opens up a new world, traveling to new places and meeting many people who share great sports experiences.
“Table tennis is a wonderful school sport, the children love it. It’s easy to set up, very social, it also attracts “not necessarily athletic” students, so it’s really inclusive for everyone. schools? I have seen table tennis be an amazing addition to many schools, especially elementary schools.
Bradford-based wheelchair table tennis player Oye Jemiyo, Hans Soova and Fran, one of Han’s former junior players, are very keen to help make the project a success. “If possible, they come with me to the schools to help,” says Mark.
In January, Mark and local player Fran Currie held table tennis exhibitions at Hoyle Court Primary and Crossflatts Primary School in Bingley.
Brighton Table Tennis Club, with whom Mark works closely, has donated table tennis to Hoyle Court Primary School in Baildon.
“Brighton Table Tennis Club do fantastic work in the communities, especially socially; they are very keen to support the scheme here in Bradford.
Mark became interested in the game after his father bought him a half-sized table that he could fit in his bedroom.
As a student at Clayton Middle School, he called every day. “I played for an hour before school and an hour after school,” he says. “Shirley Simmons made it happen – she was the school’s science teacher and encouraged us. Everyone played – the best player was Martin Vickers, who got into the top 10 in England, he inspired me.”
From there, Mark went to train at a center of excellence run by Hans Soova, who lives in Bingley, and another Yorkshire trainer, Silvia Worth. “I trained with some of the best players in England – the best player Michael O’ Driscoll was also in the top three in Europe.”
He played for Yorkshire and England at schoolboy level and was national schools under-16 and under-19 champion.
Mark graduated in sports management and worked for Table Tennis England on regional club development.
For more than eight years after university, he devoted his time and energy to the development and coaching of table tennis. His experience spanned regional development in Great Britain – working at Table Tennis England, formerly the English Table Tennis Association – to coaching and playing professionally in Australia and New Zealand, among others. In 2004, he played tournaments in Australia and New Zealand, becoming the Western Australian champion.
Mark visited many clubs, advised and learned from them, focusing on many issues such as growing new members and finding new financial support.
He not only collected a wide range of good practice examples, but also tips for running a successful club. In addition, Mark learned to appreciate diversity and life as an immigrant.
He then coaches Greenhouse Sports, a London-based charity committed to using sport to help inner-city youngsters realize their full potential.
His work included support for underprivileged children who would not normally have the opportunity to play sports. The charity works with schools across London and encourages and inspires many young people.
“Between working at ETTA and Greenhouse Sports, I traveled a lot,” he says. “In India and Nepal – where I met my wife Fleur – I played table tennis with street kids who were so good. I’d like to go back one day and set up some kind of development program for them so they can get really good at table tennis.
In 2016, Mark was excited to see that work was being done in Nepal to improve opportunities for people with disabilities to play table tennis.
Mark, who lives in Holland, plays in the Dutch national league, which he describes as “awesome”.
He founded the Ping Pong Alkmaar Club in his hometown in Holland in 2018. It has been very successful as a fast growing community club at all levels.
He also organizes training trips between England and Holland for the players.
Any schools interested in joining the Bradford Primary Schools Table Tennis Project can contact Mark who will visit the school and give a demonstration in the assembly.
“This gets students and teachers excited,” he says. “I can then give the schools support/advice in purchasing tables.”
*Educational institutions can contact Mark at [email protected]
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