Ping.Pong.Play: Sporting Schools Grant Applications Open for Term 3 2026

Schools across Australia are encouraged to get involved in Table Tennis Australia’s growing Ping.Pong.Play program, with Sporting Schools grant applications for Term 3 2026 now officially open through the Australian Sports Commission's website.

Designed to bring energy, inclusion, and accessibility into schools and community settings, Ping.Pong.Play is quickly becoming a popular choice for educators looking to engage students through fun and adaptable physical activity.

Fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum, the program introduces students to table tennis through activities that focus on participation, connection, and confidence-building. With minimal equipment required and flexible formats that suit a wide range of abilities, table tennis continues to prove itself as a sport for everyone.

Ping.Pong.Play has been developed to provide an approachable and engaging entry point into physical activity. For students living with disabilities, the program includes thoughtful modifications and para-friendly activities that support genuine inclusion. For multicultural communities, it reflects a truly global sport played and celebrated worldwide.

Educators and facilitators are supported with a suite of new lesson plans, digital resources, and classroom tools developed in partnership with Active Education Australia and experienced coaches. All resources are directly linked to the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (HPE), making the program easy to integrate into school sport and classroom learning.

At the centre of Ping.Pong.Play are three key principles:

Fun First – Activities are designed to maximise energy, engagement, and enjoyment, with an emphasis on participation over performance.

Inclusivity Always – Lessons can be adapted for students of all abilities through para-friendly activities, progressive skill development, and small-sided games that ensure everyone can participate.

Curriculum Alignment – Every activity and resource is mapped to the Australian Curriculum, supporting outcomes linked to teamwork, communication, leadership, and reflection.

Beyond skill development, the program also creates meaningful opportunities for social connection. Through doubles play and collaborative games, students are encouraged to build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a supportive environment.

Importantly, table tennis is also a lifelong sport, and one that students can continue playing beyond school in clubs, universities, workplaces, and community spaces.

Since the introduction of Ping.Pong.Play, we have delivered 184 programs across Australia, with an incredible 25,448 participants taking to the table.

Table Tennis Australia CEO Nicole Adamson said the program’s impact extends far beyond the table, stating: "We see this program as being not only a great introduction to table tennis, but as a place where students can connect, no matter their ability. The well-being this connection brings cannot be underestimated.”

For more information on the program, and how you can get involved, you can fill in this expression of interest form, or email sportingschools@tabletennis.org.au.

With its strong focus on fun, inclusion, and accessibility, Ping.Pong.Play is helping young Australians discover the joy of movement, the value of connection, and the confidence that comes from being part of something bigger.