Table Tennis Ireland – Her Moves Ping Pong Art Programme
After a hugely successful pilot with schools and youth groups across Ulster in 2023, Table Tennis Ireland has expanded the initiative to the other three provinces of Ireland. Designed for girls aged 11-18, the programme combines the sport of table tennis with an artistic twist, aiming to promote physical activity, boost confidence, and foster friendships.
The Ping Pong Art Programme integrates the Her Moves core principles, emphasizing the importance of boosting physical activity while increasing confidence and fostering friendships for teenage girls. Over 300 girls have participated in the programme and reaped the rewards of sport in a fun, inclusive, and empowering way.
The programme allowed the girls to take part in an immersive three-hour introduction session followed by a 4-6 week introduction to table tennis. The girls practiced their bat and ball skills, improving their hand-eye coordination, balance, and strokes. To bring in a creative twist, the girls designed table tennis-themed artwork, incorporating the 4 Fs – Female, Fun, Friendship, and Family. To add to the fun, the girls set the tone by picking a playlist and playing ping pong with anything but a racket. The girls played with everything from frying pans to spatulas and pizza trays! The music was going, and so was the laughter.
The programme has been so successful that it has influenced school sports structures. A secondary school that participated has now entered four girls’ teams into the School’s League. By integrating table tennis into schools and youth groups, the programme aims to inspire lifelong engagement in sports among teenage girls. Through partnerships with Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), the programme continues to provide sustainable opportunities for schools and communities.
As the programme grows, it continues to make an indelible mark, ensuring more teenage girls have opportunities to play, create, and thrive in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
How You Can Get Involved
Parents, teachers, and youth leaders can learn more about this innovative programme by reaching out to local sports partnerships or contacting their schools' sport coordinators. Together, let’s empower the next generation of young women to discover the joy of sport and the confidence it brings.
For more information on how to get involved contact:
Jing Yi -wis@tabletennisireland.ie
