Cheslyn Hay serve up a story of success
Having helped more than 300 burgeoning table tennis stars progress, Cheslyn Hay secretary John Quinn is delighted with the impact that the club is making.
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Now with almost 50 members, the Salem Church-based outfit are on an upward spiral, with interest peaking and committed volunteers providing expert coaching.
On top of that, they are doing their bit for those less fortunate than themselves.
Quinn revealed that in 10 years they have raised £22,000 for charities worldwide by hosting 12-hour table-tennis marathons, quizzes and horse racing nights.
He has played the game for more than a half-a-century and been involved with the Cheslyn Hay club since its inception in 1974, when they were playing at the old working men's club.
He said: "It's fantastic to look back and know that hundreds of kids have come through our youth academy at the club.
"For me, the challenge is to bring all of the youngsters off their computers and Xboxes and get them doing something else.
"It's extremely social and they're all playing competitive table tennis."
With the help of qualified coach Andrew Beastall, Craig Cartwright and father-and- son duo Martin and Callum Squire, the club has managed to pick itself up after numbers started to dwindle two or three years ago.
Quinn, who last year was presented with a national award from the English Table Tennis Association for more than 40 years 'voluntary service in the game, holds real pride in what they have achieved.
He added: "Andrew has done so, so well to coach the kids. Some of them had never picked up a table tennis bat in their life.
"We train many of them from beginners and we've some top young players.
"Andrew has been given huge support by Martin and his son Callum, who is taking his coaching awards.
"Then to have someone like Craig, who helps with looking after the place, taking tables up and down, is just great. To see the progress is really fantastic.
"Our venue isn't in the best of conditions but we make the most of what we've got.
"Salem Church is 200-odd years old, we have five tables and even a robot training machine who will serve and play top-spin shots.
"Things have gone from strength to strength since Andrew has taken over. He brings fun to the sessions and what we have done is unbelievable."
Amy Beastall, 15, has been called up to represent Staffordshire and at one point was ranked as high as 40th in the UK.
As well as bringing impressive youngsters through their ranks, the club's first team have also been finding some real form over the past few years.
Nigel Smith, Paul Bishop and Jeff Parkes compete in the Walsall League's Division One after superb double success in Division Two last year.
They finished the season as league champions and picked up the divisional cup. Smith was also successful in the individual category.
Quinn added: ""I've been secretary for 25 years and I'm very, very proud. There are many clubs closing down and we are doing more than surviving.
"I'm just content that if I were to step down then the club would be able to continue to function.
"We cater for all players and have some kids as young as 10 with some members in their 80s.
"There's no discrimination, it's social and we hope to increase even more."
The club's home match nights take place on Monday and Tuesday nights, with the church also open on those evenings for training sessions from 7-10pm.
They also run youth academy nights on Wednesdays from 6-7.30pm.
The club are keen to encourage sponsorship, with players travelling far afield to compete in a number of competitions.
Anyone interested should contact club secretary John Quinn on 07846 496 715.
