TTA launches new Para E-Learning Platform

It has never been more accessible for Allied health professionals and club coaches to gain an understanding of para table tennis, with the launch of Table Tennis Australia’s (TTA) Para-table Tennis E-Learning Platform.

Funded by the Australian Institute of Sport’s Small NSO Infrastructure Grant Program, TTA’s E-Learning Platform is an introductory online program for new coaches and Allied Health Professionals looking to get involved in coaching players with a disability.

While Para-table tennis continues to grow across the world, player development models have stayed relatively the same from the grassroots level, up, with coaches relying on experiential knowledge and communication with other coaches.

TTA’s new platform includes online tutorial videos and activity cards for lesson plans as well as a 45-page Para Coaching Manual which all ultimately aim to streamline information, making it easier for club coaches and Allied Health Professionals to gain access to best practise methods.

“Opening up pathways for entry-level Para-table tennis players has been a priority for TTA for quite some time now, and we believe that a domino effect can be established by investing time into new coaches and new pathway set ups,” said TTA National Program Manager (Para) Sue Stevenson.

“The E-Learning Platform is aimed at Allied Health Professionals and club coaches who are starting up a Para program, and also supports the Solutions Grant programs that have been newly established within rehabilitation centres, disability organisations and hospitals.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing our work come to fruition, and seeing more people get involved in Para-table tennis at both a recreational level and above.”

The E-Learning Platform has been written by Stevenson, TTA Head Coach (Para), Alois Rosario, TTA National Pathway Development Officer (Para), Kara Retford and TTA Participation Program Coordinator, Patrick Wuertz. 

For more information about the e-learning platform please contact Kara Retford, TTA National Pathway Development Officer (Para) – kara@tabletennis.org.au