Newcastle University's own Head Coach Graeme Barella has been chosen as one of only two GB Coach Apprentices by Table Tennis England.
When asked about how he was feeling following the news he said, 'I’m really pleased to have been selected onto the programme. It’s going to be a great opportunity to learn and develop as a coach, as well as regularly working with the best young players that Great Britain have to offer. The programme will give me a chance to attend international tournaments and training camps with the squad, in addition to the Home Nations camps in the England.'
The role is a huge opportunity for Graeme's development as a coach and Newcastle University's table tennis club will be one of the beneficiaries. He's already been catching up with some top coaches from other countries, reviewing the mental aspects of sports performance and been to an international training camp in March.
'I’d love to get more involved with the coaching set-up within Table Tennis England – potentially with the senior players later in my career. I also hope I can take what I learn and improve the quality of table tennis in the North East of England, where I’m based. Essentially, I want to be involved in producing more high-level table tennis players in Great Britain!'