BUCS gives boost to womenÔÇÖs table tennis with top tier

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) are bringing womenÔÇÖs table tennis into line with menÔÇÖs for the first time by introducing a Premier Division from September.

The change was announced by BUCS following its Sports Review, a wide-ranging consultation with National Governing Bodies and other stakeholders, including Table Tennis England.

Until now, the top level in womenÔÇÖs table tennis has been Division 1 whereas the men have had a Premier Division at the top of their structure.

It is not just about the name ÔÇô a Premier Division operates across a much larger north and south geographical area, whereas Division 1 was regionalised, and the Premier division carries more points in the BUCS standings. It also ensures the performance pathway matches up across both genders.

Table tennis was the only one of around 40 sports in the BUCS system in which the women did not have a Premier Division, and Table Tennis EnglandÔÇÖs Head of Development and Volunteering, Greg Yarnall, is delighted at the development.

Yarnall, who sits on the BUCS Sports Advisory Group for Table Tennis said: ÔÇťThis is fantastic news as it brings the WomenÔÇÖs competitions in line with the MenÔÇÖs and ensures equality across the competition structure and in player development opportunities.

ÔÇťThis was something we were very keen to see happen, as it fits within the ethos of our Women and Girls Action Plan, which includes the aim to develop programmes to support women at different stages of their lives and playing careers, as well as create welcoming and appealing environments and engaging with new participants.

ÔÇťWeÔÇÖre grateful to BUCS for the opportunity to input into the Sports Review and pleased that they have taken the groups views on board.ÔÇŁ