Table Tennis Queensland (TTQ) and Table Tennis Australia (TTA) are launching Rally for Growth, a participation pilot that will introduce more Queenslanders to table tennis and strengthen connections between community organisations and local clubs.

Supported by the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well funding through TTA, the initiative will bring community activities to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba over the coming months.

The pilot will focus on culturally and linguistically diverse communities, with additional opportunities for women and girls and young people to get involved.

TTQ will work with multicultural and community organisations to shape activities around the interests and needs of their communities, creating welcoming opportunities to try table tennis and explore ways to keep playing.

Table Tennis Queensland CEO Brady Walmsley said the initiative would help local clubs build stronger community connections.

“Table tennis offers a great opportunity to bring people together, regardless of their age, background or experience,” Walmsley said.

“By working with organisations that know their communities, we can create a positive introduction to the sport and help local clubs build relationships with people they may not otherwise reach.

“We want that first experience to lead to ongoing opportunities to play, connect and feel part of a club.”

Table Tennis Australia Chief Executive Officer Nicole Adamson said the partnership supported the organisation’s commitment to inclusive participation.

“Rally for Growth aligns with Table Tennis Australia's strategic commitment to inclusive participation and strengthening Member Association capability, supported by the Australian Sports Commission's Play Well investment.

“Table Tennis Australia recognises Table Tennis Queensland's commitment to club engagement, servicing and development, and its approach to strengthening connections between clubs and local communities.

“This partnership will support participation opportunities for priority communities, strengthen local delivery capability and provide an evidence base to inform sustainable participation growth nationally.”

Local clubs will play an important role in the initiative, helping participants find suitable programs and opportunities to continue playing beyond the initial activities.

The pilot will also help TTQ and TTA understand how community partnerships can support ongoing participation and inform similar initiatives in the future.

Activity dates and venues will be announced as community partnerships are confirmed.