A BARNSLEY table tennis club is celebrating a successful first 18 months, with teams and players competing at national level.

Mission Table Tennis Club, based at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth, describes itself as ‘one of Barnsley’s fastest growing sports clubs.’

They have enjoyed success for some of their members.

Eva Kamiciewicz won the under 11 South Yorkshire Schools Championships, less than a year after taking up the sport, and will compete at the English Schools Championship next month.

They have a youth team competing in the Cadet National League.

“We’re really proud of how far we’ve come in just over a year,” said the club’s founder and head coach Ian Denton.

“We’ve created a space where everyone, regardless of their background or experience, can enjoy the game of table tennis.

“Our members are the heart of this club and we’re excited for the future.

“The club has experienced remarkable growth, becoming a part of the local sporting community.

“The club creates a welcoming environment where people of all ages could come together to enjoy the sport and improve their skills.

“A major factor in the club’s rapid success is its commitment to providing experienced coaching.

“The club has a team of dedicated coaches, who bring years of experience to the table. It’s no surprise that many players have made significant improvements.

“We have introduced additional junior sessions and the launch of our over-50s ‘bat and chat’ sessions, which have been a huge success.

“They were initially only going to run for eight weeks, but they are now a permanent fixture on Tuesdays between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.”

The club is holding beginners sessions from 5pm on Thursdays, advanced players 6.30pm and adult only sessions from 7.15pm.

There is also an open session on Sundays from 11am.

For more information or to join Mission Table Tennis Club, visit www.mission-ttcbarnsley.co.uk.