Table tennis has long been synonymous with Maccabi GB, with medals galore won at Maccabiah, European and JCC Games.

One of the ingredients to the success has been the Maccabi GB Kenton-based table-tennis club, which has helped train and nurture numerous players who have gone on to perform on the world stage.

At its peak there were at least 20 juniors and adults participating in each of the two sessions it would hold and over the years there have been some amazing volunteers who have pushed for the development of table tennis in our community.

The popularity of the sport saw the staging of the annual Maccabi GB table-tennis tournament, which attracted hundreds of players, while a well-attended cross-Synagogue competition was also one of the highlights of the Jewish sporting calendar.

The club temporarily paused as work took place on the “Maccabi Kulanu” Centre, before Maccabi decided to restart the club in May at The Stanley S. Cohen OBE Centre.

Approached by Maccabi GB to coach it, Jacob Sobel says: “I was delighted to accept and run the club, again hoping to raise a new generation of young players.

“Maccabi GB have been very eager to get it started and have helped with purchasing needed resources for the club and advertised it across their social channels. I’m fortunate to have learnt from great coaches in the past and it’s because of them that the club has been easy to implement and run for the juniors.”

The club in its current guise is run by Jacob and Joe Kaye, both of whom have long associations with it.

The pair played for Maccabi GB in the Wembley and Harrow League and have won gold and other medals at JCC and European Maccabi Games. Meeting in Kenton on a weekly basis, it welcomes players of all ages, levels and experience up to (and including) age 18.

They are now looking to attract more people. Jacob says: “For those considering joining, table tennis is a sport that has, in my opinion, a unique ability to bring people together in a warm and respectful environment, enabling highly competitive and physically demanding play.

Contrary to popular belief, the sport is very tiring and beneficial for physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

“Maccabi GB has, in the past, created a phenomenal system where players can improve in training and work their way up from the local leagues.

"Players coming here can expect to receive excellent technical tuition from an experienced player, they’ll receive advice and guidance from the best coaches, take part in tailor-made drills, plus of course compete in match play and enjoyable games.

“The feedback from the players and parents has been excellent. Although the initial part of training can be intense, there are many motivated players who really want to improve and they see their work pay off in the match play and more relaxed latter part of the session.

"Ensuring the next generation really loves the sport is absolutely vital in this club and is so fundamental for the players improvement.”

Believing the club can be a great breeding ground for players of all levels, he says: “It’s been a tried and tested successful club for many players in the past and will continue to be so in the future. As well as the club, there’s a good quality local league that the players can join, representing Maccabi and making their way up the divisions.”

Finally, looking ahead to what he envisages for the club in the future, he adds:

“Our players can work their way up in the league and participate at international Games. For those who are playing purely for leisure, they will benefit greatly from the club as well and will improve at the rate they want to, while gaining valuable life and social experiences.”

To find out more or to register your interest, visit maccabigb.org/tabletennis