Inspiring legacy from London 2026 as clubs receive Worlds gear

From tables to towel boxes and nets to barriers, London 2026 equipment has been distributed to clubs and organizations across the country.

Dozens of organizations have benefited, ensuring the Championships centenary will leave a lasting legacy of helping and inspiring people to play, and helping to meet the Championships sustainability agenda.

Clubs have been the biggest beneficiaries, but other partner organizations have also received equipment, with destinations ranging from Falmouth in the west to Norwich in the east, and from Worthing on the south coast to Leeds and Liverpool in the north.

What has been distributed?

• 79 tables used at practice locations, in fan zones and of course on the show courts of the Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley
• 22 referee chairs
• Five referee tables with built-in towel boxes and another 13 referee tables
• 1,000 blue barriers from the World Championships, plus 100 black barriers from WTT Star Contender London
• 38 nets
• Various other equipment including towel boxes, scoring machines and branded netting

Floor coverings are also available for clubs or competitions, in rolls of 18 x 2 meters, for €540 per roll (€15/m²). Proceeds will go back to Table Tennis International Events to support future major events in this country.

Interested parties can contact Chris Brown before Friday, July 10.

Most of the equipment is in good condition – or even still in the box as it was spare stock – and will be excellent for club and league use. Tables with minor damage that are still usable have been given priority for recreational use, so that nothing is lost.

Most of the equipment is shared between clubs, including Leeds ParkyPING! – a table tennis club for people with Parkinson’s – which will soon receive one of the competition tables from London.

Co-founder Rob Cook said: “We can’t wait to see our new table. It will be great to know we are playing on something that has been used by some of the best players in the world.

“We fully expect to become elite players ourselves immediately, just by being part of it (even if only)!”

Other clubs receiving kits include BATTS, Wensum, Greenhouse, St Austell, Crewe Central, Milton Keynes (pictured at top of page), Foxwood, Ely, Clissold, Maghull, Continental Stars and eBaTT, the latter of which is recovering from the effects of a fire that recently destroyed one of their two venues.

Other organizations benefiting from this include Newham Council, Shakespeare Primary School in Leeds and Suffolk Mind. In total, more than 40 clubs and groups will receive something.

One of the show tables was given to Plymouth & District TTC, who have already set it up as table 1 at its venue, with Worlds barriers completing the show court feel, which will enhance the experience of everyone playing in the Plymouth & District League.

“The members were amazed at the quality and appearance of the table,” said Russ Keith, competition secretary for the league.

“Young people played on the table with huge smiles and wanted photos of themselves with the table to show to their classmates the next day. They were especially excited to know that some of the best players in the world might have used the exact table during the tournament in London.

“Players of all levels will be using the table and competing as we enter the handicapping phase of our season.

“The Executive Committee and all members would like to sincerely thank all those involved in making it possible for our club to have a world-class table of this quality, which will remain in place and cherished for years to come.”

In addition to club donations, the team at Table Tennis England Competitions are providing new barrier stock for use at major domestic events, where the referee chairs will also be put to good use.

The Elite Training Center in Sheffield will also receive eight of the tables, with the tables currently used at the center being redistributed.

The 10 golden Centenary tables unveiled in public places in London before the championships will remain in the capital as a permanent legacy of the event.

Chris Brown, Director of Table Tennis Development at Table Tennis England, said: “We were always clear that the World Championships should not just be a snapshot in time, but something that would have a lasting impact on our sport.

“Thanks to the table donation and the wider legacy of equipment, we are able to spread the benefits of a world-class event across our table tennis community – supporting clubs, inspiring players and helping more people get into the game for years to come.”