The Isle of Wight Table Tennis Winter League is expanding to 4 divisions for the first time in over a decade amid growing popularity.
The 2026/2027 Isle of Wight Table Tennis Association (IWTTA) Winter League begins tomorrow (Tuesday 6th October), following a busy summer of coaching, competitions and events.
The Association has welcomed more teams and players this season, with clubs from Ryde, Newport, Wroxall, Havenstreet, Wootton, Shorwell and Cowes all competing.
Young players are also playing a major part in the sport’s growth, with experienced juniors competing in Divisions One and Two, while newer players gain match experience in Divisions Three and Four.
The expansion follows a successful summer for the Association, including coaching sessions led by England international and professional player Matt Daish, who plays in Austria.
The sessions were organised with the help of newly elected Development Officer Jo Hurt, who took up the role in July. They have proved popular with players of all abilities and will continue to feature in the Island’s table tennis calendar.
The Isle of Wight also welcomed Southampton West Table Tennis Club for a weekend of table tennis, with similar visits from other mainland clubs being planned for next year.
June’s annual Mountbatten Charity Tournament was another highlight, attracting top mainland players who praised the Island’s facilities.
Island talent is also making progress nationally, with several leading players representing the Isle of Wight in the British Senior Club League.
Among the sport’s rising stars is 20-year-old Ryan Cates, who came through the Island’s junior coaching system and now competes locally and on the mainland.
Having previously trained in Southampton, Ryan begins full-time training today (Monday 5th October) at EBATTS Pro Academy in New Barnet, London, where he will spend at least 25 hours a week training alongside some of the country’s top players.
With table tennis continuing to grow, the Association is encouraging more Islanders to get involved, regardless of age or experience.
Sessions are available in Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Shanklin, Wroxall, Wootton and Shorwell, ranging from competitive coaching to more relaxed social play. Wroxall also hosts popular sessions for people with Parkinson’s.
Anyone interested in playing can email [email protected] for information about sessions at the IW Table Tennis Centre and other venues across the Island.
