Spotlight on- Penny Perry
4th May 2010
East Devon (Exe TTC) Club Support and Coaching Officer (Leaving in June 2010)
With the development of a team of professional ETTA employed coaches in the region almost complete I begin our series of ‘Spotlight On’ articles. These are designed to give you an insight into the life of an ETTA coach, as well as helping you to get to know the people working for you in our region.
I start with Penny Perry, our East Devon Club Support and Coaching Officer who unfortunately is soon to leave the ETTA. From June Penny will be officially handing over to Mike Naylor who will join us in an increased capacity (25 hours per week) from Penny’s current 10 hours per week. As part of this increase in hours Mike will also cover Exeter (including West Exe TTC) as well as East Devon (including Exe TTC).
Without further ado let me hand you over to Penny:
“My name is Penny Perry and I am Club Support and Coaching Officer at Exe Table Tennis Club, based in Exmouth. I work ten hours a week.
I have been coaching for many years, starting when my own children were young. My eldest son Simon became a good county standard player before giving up in order to focus on his business career. His younger brother Alex went on to become English and British Champion, as well as Commonwealth Gold medallist. He represented England on numerous occasions. My daughter Lucy trained with the England under 12 squad and many years later represented Wales in the World Championships.
When my children had left home I passed my ETTA Level Two coaching qualification and did some coaching in the Exeter area. I have now also passed my UKCC Level Two Bridging Course. I still compete nationally at veteran level.
I travel to local schools and take sessions with a variety of youngsters between eight and sixteen years old. I also coached at a youth club for a number of weeks.
The biggest challenge for me has been controlling large groups of children of disparate ability and background. It is very different from coaching more able, experienced youngsters. However, it is also extremely rewarding and they are all so keen to play! The delight on some of their faces when they achieve a particular goal is a joy to see.
I feel that table tennis in the Exeter / Exmouth area is finally expanding, after a number of extremely lean years, when the whole league was being taken over by veterans! At last we have some able young players, and also a number of qualified coaches, willing to put something back into the game. The two Premier Clubs, Exe TTC and West Exe represent the future of local table tennis.
Tips for coaches working in schools: Be ready for anything! Include plenty of “fun” games! ”
Penny Perry, May 2010.
Please watch this space for profiles of all our regional coaching team coming soon.
Chris Brown
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