Brighton Table Tennis Club (BTTC) is somehow churning out gold-medal athletes while doubling as one of the city’s warmest community hubs. How do they do it and should other sports be following their example?
Despite being founded as recently as 2007, BTTC has already produced athletes of the highest calibre, including Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley and Paris Paralympic breakout star Bly Twomey.
On top of that, their teams dominate the UK scene, winning the country’s top club division two years in a row and collecting an enviable stash of individual titles along the way.
But while BTTC certainly enjoys its trophy cabinet, the club’s real pride runs deeper: its impact on the wider community.
One of the coaches, Amila Thilakarathna, who runs the club’s Moulsecoomb centre, said: “This club is important for those who can’t afford to play other sports.
“This is like their second home and these kids are here as soon as school finishes. You can see them playing table tennis and they love it.
“It’s like a house. We have different programmes so sometimes the after-school club has kids cooking and eating here as well as playing table tennis.”
Mr Thilakarathna was particularly proud of the organisation, the work they have already managed to achieve in a relatively short time span and the special atmosphere they have created.
He said: “(BTTC) is a great place to be and I think one of the best clubs in the country. I’ve been working with so many different clubs and Brighton is definitely different.
“The atmosphere and environment that the club creates is unlike any other club in the world. I love the culture here. It’s very friendly, the kids are great and I like to be able to help them.”
This ability to nurture elite talent while creating a safe, joyful place for everyone is a tough balancing act yet BTTC seems to nail it effortlessly.
Their model blends expert coaching with a playful, inclusive atmosphere, leaving me wondering: why on earth are more sports organisations not doing the same?
Founded by Tim Holtam, Harry McCarney and Wen Wei Xu, the club operates out of bustling centres in Kemp Town and Moulsecoomb, serving up activities throughout the day and well into the evening.
These sessions do not just mould future Olympians, they give people of all ages and backgrounds a reason to turn up, move, laugh and connect.
The schedule spans everything from children’s groups to over-50s sessions, plus tailored classes for those with additional needs or disabilities.
Every session is run by trained coaches who know how to push players forward while keeping the whole thing fun and accessible.
Speaking about his coaching methods with the junior players, Mr Thilakarathna sets a high bar but remains aware of the social importance of the club’s foundation.
He said: “I’m a performance-based coach. I want kids to do well, of course.
“But I also want them to change their lives through the sport. That’s my main philosophy as a coach. I’m just trying to help them maximise their potential.”
That ambition is clearly translating well to his pupils. When I visited a junior coaching session, the mix of ambition and joy was striking. Some of the kids talked openly about their dreams of Olympic glory and they meant it.
One young player told me: “Most of the time I’m not really doing much and coming here has given me something to do.
“It’s just my passion to play table tennis. I’m going to aim for the Olympics and see where we go.”
That level of drive at such a young age puts me to shame, frankly. And yet, that same player spent the entire session grinning, soaking up every rally and revelling in the friendly competition.
Another junior shared their own perspective, highlighting the social principles of their participation alongside their motivations to improve, saying: “I really want to get better and so I come here.
“It’s to do with friendship as well but I come here to train really hard so hopefully I can play well when I’m older.”
One individual visited sessions at the Moulsecoomb centre almost daily and loved having Paralympic medallists like Will and Bly to look up to, hoping to join them at the Olympics one day.
They thought it was “very cool” that they represented both the club and the community on the grandest of stages.
Notably, that attitude of fun and friendship is exactly what you hope to hear in a youth sport setting. Too often, stories emerge from high-pressure programmes filled with strict regimes, impossible expectations and barked orders.
But here, there is a harmony, a natural balance where detailed coaching meets warmth and encouragement, creating athletes who are hungry to improve because they want to, not because they are afraid not to.
And what I saw was just a tiny slice of BTTC’s world. On their busiest days, sessions begin at 8am and run right through to 10pm.
That level of dedication opens doors for everyone, from absolute beginners to Olympic and Paralympic contenders.
Even when I arrived, before the junior session kicked off, an after-school club was just winding down. Complete with food, coaching and time to socialise, it is one of many BTTC initiatives designed to feed back into the community literally and figuratively.
My visit only scratched the surface of BTTC’s vast ecosystem of training, support and opportunity. But one thing was crystal clear: their values are woven into everything they do.
Inclusiveness, passion and unwavering dedication radiate from every corner of the club – and the impact is unmistakable.
I have no doubt that more Paralympic and Olympic champions will emerge from behind those Kemp Town and Moulsecoomb doors and more sports organisations should be paying attention.
BTTC has shown that you can make a sport accessible, welcoming and socially vital without compromising on excellence.
I love everyone at the BTTC we are the best thing ever because we all care about each other people at the BTTC any people can play allstars all the time because they are hero.
I believe this is the home stable of the legendary Table Tennis star Johny Clarke other wise known as JC.
Johnny Clarke is a phenomenal figure in the world of table tennis, known not only for his exceptional skill but also for his unique and inspiring journey. His impact on the sport is both profound and enduring.
Johnny’s mastery over the game is unparalleled. His ability to read the game and even himself, combined with his lightning-fast reflexes and strategic prowess, has made him a formidable opponent on the table. His technique is a blend of precision and creativity, captivating audiences and challenging competitors countrywide.
Beyond his technical abilities, Johnny’s confusing life and play has been a testament to his resilience and maturity. He has navigated the complexities of his conditions with grace and determination, using his experiences to inspire others both within and beyond the sporting community. His openness about being perplexing is complicated and has sparked many important but funny conversations and provided hope to many facing similar challenges.
JC’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements. As a mentor, he has guided countless decades younger athletes, sharing his wisdom and passion for the sport. His leadership is characterized by empathy and encouragement, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures the next generation of table tennis stars.
JC is more than an athlete; he is a denim jacketed cultural icon whose story resonates with people across diverse backgrounds. His contributions to table tennis and confusion in general have cemented his legacy as a true legend.
In every sense, JC embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and leadership. His legacy will continue to baffle and confuse, making him a well loved cherished icon in the world of table tennis and beyond.