Ping-pong with purpose: How BTTC brings people together
There’s a vibrant energy at Brighton Table Tennis Club’s brand-new facilities in Hillfort House, Moulsecoomb, just around the corner from East Brighton Trust’s HQ. And it’s not just the distinctive sound of ping-pong balls echoing through the air. From the moment you arrive, you’re struck by a sense of positivity, camaraderie, warmth, and inclusivity.
Straight away, I’m greeted with a welcoming cup of tea and meet Chris O’Flinn, a volunteer coach who’s competed in the European Down Syndrome Table Tennis Championships. He proudly shows me around, while another volunteer coach, David Anderson, encourages me to pick up a racket. Despite my rustiness, I manage a few rallies and brush up on my forehand, thanks to David’s patient guidance.
A dream realised
Chatting with Co-Founder and Director Tim Holtam, a former junior table tennis champion, it’s clear how much the new space means to him. “This venue is a dream come true,” says Tim. “We spent 18 months navigating lease agreements and solicitor meetings – at times, it felt like it might not happen. But once everything was signed, the builders transformed the space in just a month.”
The result is a vibrant hub for table tennis and community in the heart of Moulsecoomb. Following a successful launch event, the venue is gearing up to host more gatherings, including a major community celebration on Thursday, March 6th.
This impressive new venue is a game-changer for local residents, especially children. Many, introduced to table tennis through BTTC’s outreach at Moulsecoomb Primary School, now have a facility right on their doorstep. Tim explains,
“Instead of having to travel across the city to Kemptown, kids can play here. It’s perfect.”
Accessibility is a cornerstone of BTTC’s ethos. Sessions cost £7, with a concession rate of £2 for those on Universal Credit or free school meals, and free for anyone unable to pay. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier,” Tim says. “If someone can’t afford it, then of course they still play for free.”
Why table tennis?
For Tim, table tennis is much more than a sport – it’s a tool for connection. “Someone asked me recently if I had a social life outside of table tennis,” he laughs. “Honestly, I don’t need one! The Table Tennis Club is my social life, my passion, and my community… we very rarely actually talk about table tennis.”
BTTC reflects this spirit of inclusivity, bringing together international champions, players with Parkinson’s or Down Syndrome, and local children from all backgrounds. “Anyone can play – young, old, beginner, or expert. Unlike sports such as rugby, where size and strength can create barriers. It’s a level playing field,” Tim says.
Table tennis also has the power to transform lives. Tim recounts how young players who grew up in foster care or relied on free school meals are now representing England and competing internationally. “It’s not just about creating champions,” he says. “It’s about creating community. Everyone needs a place to belong.”
Community impact
The stories emerging from BTTC speak volumes about its impact. Beyond the game, the club runs weekly sessions in prisons, including at Lewes Prison, where inmates learn to play and coach. “When they leave, they have something positive to be part of,” Tim explains. “It helps them break old patterns and build new networks. Some even go on to mentor at-risk youth.”
The new venue is a vital step forward for BTTC, which has operated for nearly a decade from its original home at the Fitzherbert Centre in Kemptown. With the Moulsecoomb facility now open, the challenge lies in managing two locations sustainably.
“If we can make this work, it could become a blueprint for running multiple venues,” Tim says. He sees potential in repurposing church-owned spaces, like the former St. Francis of Assisi Church that now houses the Moulsecoomb venue. “You don’t need a traditional sports hall for table tennis. Even awkwardly shaped spaces work – it’s such a flexible sport.”
Supporting BTTC
For anyone inspired by BTTC’s story, Tim’s message is simple: “Start playing table tennis! Come and see us at the new venue.” The club is also seeking support through its Brighton Table Tennis Club Champions programme, inviting local businesses and individuals to help expand its reach. “We need your help,” Tim says. “Whether it’s funding, volunteering, or just spreading the word, every bit of support makes a difference.”
More than just a game
Brighton Table Tennis Club isn’t just about table tennis – it’s about building a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can thrive. As Tim puts it, “This is about more than sport. It’s about connection, belonging, and opportunity.”
Want to get involved? Drop by the Moulsecoomb or Kemptown venues, check out the timetable or visit BTTC’s website to learn more. Just pick up a racket – you might find a whole new community waiting for you.