A new 3-month project is giving Newham residents aged over 16 the chance to find opponents to play at any time in our parks, using the Street TT app.
Newham has partnered with StreetTT to bring their ‘real world’ table tennis experience to the borough. The StreetTT app connects players in a worldwide street table tennis championship, allowing users to create a profile, participate in a global community and find people to play.
The app is free and open to everyone aged 16 and above and to those who wish to play casually or more competitively. Players can build ranking points, collect achievements and play in special tournaments or simply use the app to connect and play with friends.
Our table tennis tables at Central Park, Hermit Road Recreation Ground and Royal Victoria Gardens all now have StreetTT stickers with QR codes directing users to download the app and get involved in the innovative new game.
Cllr Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Newham is committed to helping residents get and feel healthier and I am delighted that this project will bring another option to people who want to get active.
“Table tennis is a wonderful way to keep fit and this scheme will also bring residents together, reducing social isolation. People who previously may have wanted to play, but had no one to play with, will now be able to find playing partners through the app and be introduced to a whole community of players.
“I hope that residents will download the app and get involved this summer!”
The project supports the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy in providing a new and accessible way for residents to get active and feel healthier. It follows our recent partnership with Table Tennis England, through which we installed nine new outdoor table tennis tables across six locations in Newham, as well as providing coaching sessions during school holidays.
The coaching sessions will take place at Central Park (3-4pm), Hermit Road Rec (Sundays 1-2pm) and Royal Victoria Gardens (Wednesdays 5-6pm) – all seasons are free and budding players can come along to learn more about the game and the app. The project will run throughout the summer from June to August 2022. Visit www.StreetTT.com for more information.