On Friday 20 March, students from Walton Academy visited the Mark Bates Senior National Table Tennis Championships at the David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham, experiencing elite sport first-hand. The event brought together some of the country’s top players, giving students the opportunity to see high-level competition up close.
A highlight of the visit was meeting Paralympian and MBE Will Bayley, whose achievements and determination made a strong impression on students. They also watched top-seeded players including Tin-Tin Ho, Connor Green and Sam Walker, gaining insight into the skill, speed and precision required to compete at the highest level.
Throughout the day, students observed a range of matches, from fast-paced rallies to more tactical contests, helping to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the sport.
Away from the courts, students explored the interactive fan zone, where they were able to take part in a range of activities. These included playing against a table tennis robot, testing shot speed using professional equipment, and experiencing virtual reality table tennis.
Staff were proud of how well students conducted themselves throughout the visit. Their behaviour was excellent, and they represented the academy with maturity and enthusiasm. They made the most of every opportunity and clearly enjoyed the experience, leaving with positive memories and a renewed excitement for sport.
The trip provided a valuable opportunity to see elite performance up close, learn from high-level athletes and experience the benefits of active participation. It is likely to be a memorable part of the school year and may spark a lasting interest in table tennis and sport more widely.
