First Tasmanian State Hopes Camp held

Tasmania hosted its first-ever State Hopes Camp last week, with a group of young table tennis players plus new coaches eager to learn.

The three-day training camp was run by TTA National Coach - Performance Pathways (Able-Bodied), Eva Jeler, who has been a high performance table tennis coach for 43 years, 37 of which was spent as National Coach for the German Table Tennis Federation. 

“We used this camp to show the players how they should train if they wish to rise to the national level and I think we succeeded.

“I hope they feel more motivated to really start on this pathway,” Jeler said.

“The camp is also for developing coaches and the coaches were very attentive, involved and very willing to learn,” she added.

Tasmania has produced multiple national team players, most recently Xavier Dixon, who is a current National Squad member and is playing in Germany and at international events this season.

Throughout the Hopes Camp, players were taught how to train to become national and international players.

TTA also works with coaches to ensure they’re on the right track with their players and to continue their development as coaches, something Jeler is passionate about.

“This is my aim, to always work as much as possible with the coaches so that they can profit a little. I think you always profit if you work with somebody else,” she said.

All players who participate in their State-level Hopes Camp have the opportunity to attend National Hopes Week & Challenge, which will be held in Melbourne at LOOPS Table Tennis from 11-15 April, and then be selected in the National Hopes Squad. To register for the National Hopes Week & Challenge, please CLICK HERE.