ENGLAND coaches paid a visit to a table tennis club in a bid to inspire the next generation of players.

Table Tennis England’s youth programme manager Matt Stanforth dropped in on Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club, based at Bishop Barrington School sports hall, last week to help at the beginner’s session.

He worked alongside the club’s coaches to look for new talent and help inspire youngsters to work hard to progress in the game.

Matt Porter, club chairman, said: “Having Matt in the session really helped to inspire our younger players. Getting some tips from an England coach we hope will push some of them to move up the club pathway and who knows, even follow some of the other club players into the England set-up.”

Beginners sessions for seven to 18-year-olds are held on a Monday and Friday, 6pm to 7.30pm, and will launch primary aged sessions after half-term. Contact Mr Porter on 07411-018856 or matt@bishopaucklandttc.co.uk