The longstanding program has produced prestigious alumni, both mentors and mentees.

Constantina Crotta (GRE), Advanced Referee and Chair of the ITTF Para TT Committee, experienced mentoring several proteges under the Referee arm of the mentoship program, amongst them Yoanna Ramirez (COL), who joined her at the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships in Houston, TX (USA).

“It was very interesting even for my side to work and exchange opinions with the mentees as they were from different continents with totally different approaches and ways to give solutions to any case.I had even the opportunity to work together with Yoanna in the WTTC in Houston. She has great potential but needs more experience, she was great in the Call Area, watching and observing what decisions I would take with regards to rackets, t-shirts and similar issues, and later, she reacted accordingly. In the field of play, she was asking me and discussing with me any case. I also had the opportunity when she was in another competition in Lima to give her some advice about how to make the umpires schedule.” Constantina Crotta.

For umpire Samuel Miller (AUS), who was mentored by Roman Klecker (CZE), the first ever gold badge umpire, the mentorship has left a long-lasting impact:

“Overall, this mentorship program was of huge benefit to myself as an aspiring young official. It was a pleasure to discuss many match situations with an experienced mentor and to challenge each other during the program and broaden our understanding of the rules and regulations but more importantly instil greater confidence to apply them in a match situation in any given environment. I hope the ITTF continues to offer this program in future and I will continue to meet with my mentor every 3 months, we have established a positive working relationship as a result of this program. Thank you!”

Within the coaching arm, Ryan Jenkins (ENG) mentored Anisara Muangsuk (INA) and Houri Aghamiri (IRI) for four months – but their cooperation will continue. Even though Houri and Anisara were busy guiding their teams at events such as the 2021 World Table Tennis Championship and the 2021 World Hopes Week & Challenge, all three committed to the program and established a great professional relationship. Throughout the busy calendar, they stayed connected through the Virtual Mentorship program. They are looking forward to cooperating in the future, with Ryan issuing an invitation for the two to join him in England for a training camp in 2022.

In Australia, Eva Jeler (AUS) mentored Albert Cheng (AUS) and Frank Roguiez (AUS) virtually.

 “It was a very good experience for me and the mentees were great, they chose theoretical topics, and the work together in person was not necessary. And the virtual sessions were enough.

Albert presented me an unusual but very clear and useful way of analyzing and teaching the TT playing systems and tactics. He was very motivated during all sessions, interested and “deep in the matter” of our discussions. Frank’s absolute strength as a TT coach is his interest, knowledge, and ability to analyse a game through the serve and return aspect. Our discussions during the sessions were mostly about this topic, and he contributed valuable aspects to them.”

In 2022, coaches will be able to elevate their performance analytics skills by choosing the new element of Performance Analysis, mentored by Stupa Analytics experts.

For more information on the Mentorship Program, please visit: https://www.ittf.com/hpd/programmes/mentorship-programme/

If you are ready to apply, please fill out the application form.

Applications close 31 July 2022.