Heritage

"In my youth table tennis was the sport which perhaps gave me the greatest pleasure. I hated school assignments more than anything else and to the consternation of my parents, spent all my time playing a peculiar version of table tennis."
Fred Perry, World Table Tennis Champion 1929

Any explanation of brand entry into the UK Table Tennis market begins with the unique sporting and cultural heritage of Fred Perry.

Fred attended Ealing County School, London, where he fell in love with Table Tennis. He practised the game every night; his effort and determination eventually paid off - in 1929 he won the singles title World Table Tennis Champion. He then went on to become a legend of British tennis.

The brand's roots in working class culture, plus Fred's own success in the sport, fully support and credibly justify brand entry into the UK Table Tennis market today.

The Current Picture Of Table Tennis In The UK

Table Tennis is a growing sport in the UK, and an equal opportunities sport at that.  It can be played almost anywhere and there are few restrictions. 

The sport is witnessing a steady increase in participation across the school sector. This is largely due to local education authorities recognising the low cost space efficient nature of the activity, together with increased investment in school sport by the Government. This trend has forced schools to rethink their physical education curriculum, and consequently Table Tennis in schools and youth clubs is undergoing a huge resurgence.

As a direct result, Table Tennis is going back to its roots - a true working class sport.  The sport has relevance across all age groups, but has increasing relevance and credibility within the youth market.

The Government has recognised this unique position and has selected Table Tennis as one of its ‘priority sports’ in the run up to 2012.