Table Tennis can change more than a scoreboard.

The Table Tennis Project CIC is SpinLab's social impact project — using the game to help tackle child poverty, food insecurity and inequality in Aberdeen.

We're creating free, welcoming ways for young people to play, eat, connect and develop.

Because sometimes picking up a bat is just the beginning.

What we do

FREE TABLE TENNIS

Coaching, equipment and open sessions without cost becoming a barrier.

Whether it's someone's first ever serve or the beginning of something bigger, we create welcoming entry points into the game.

BREAKFAST CLUBS

Good rallies need fuel.

Our weekly breakfast clubs help make sure young people can eat, connect and get active — because nobody should have to play or learn hungry.

A PLACE TO BELONG

Sport is better when you feel part of something.

We're creating a safe, inclusive environment where young people can meet others, get moving and build confidence on and off the table.

PATHWAYS TO PROGRESS

Getting through the door is only the beginning.

For players who want to take things further, we create opportunities for coaching, development and progression — in the sport and beyond it.

Low Barriers. high ceilings.

Where you come from shouldn't determine where you can go.

We're removing some of the barriers that stop young people accessing sport and the opportunities that come with it.

Through SpinLab, The Table Tennis Project creates a safe, welcoming city space where young people can be active, build confidence, make connections and discover how far the game might take them.

No expensive kit, no experience required, just an open door and a place at the table.

why it matters

Nearly 1 in 5 children in Aberdeen live in poverty.

For many young people, the cost of taking part, access to facilities and even having enough to eat can become barriers to sport.

We're using something simple to start changing that.

A table. Two bats. One ball.

Then we see where the rally takes us.

The Table Tennis Project combines free access to sport with food provision, community and opportunities for personal development — creating a space designed to give more young people the chance to thrive.

built in aberdeen

The Table Tennis Project is inspired by the potential we've seen in table tennis communities elsewhere, including Ping Pong Alkmaar in the Netherlands, and supported through networks including the IOC Young Leaders Programme.

But this project belongs to Aberdeen; built around the challenges facing our city, powered by the people in it, and determined to create more opportunities through the game.

Our Impact

Our work contributes towards four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  • 01. No Poverty

    Removing financial barriers through free access to coaching, equipment and sessions, giving young people from low income households the opportunity to participate and progress.

  • 03. Good Health & Wellbeing

    Creating opportunities to get active, build confidence, connect with others and support physical and mental wellbeing.

  • 10. Reduced Inequalities

    Creating an inclusive environment where background, income, gender or ability aren't barriers to getting involved.

  • 11. Sustainable Cities & Communities

    Turning an underused urban space into a welcoming table tennis hub that brings people together and contributes to a stronger Aberdeen community.

Help keep the rally going

Creating real social impact takes more than a table tennis table.

We're looking for people, organisations and partners who share our belief that sport can create opportunity.

Whether you want to support the project, partner with us or simply find out more, we'd love to hear from you.

Support the project