In the Spotlight with Ballarat Table Tennis Association: Driving Growth and Fostering Community 

Amid the 2024 Ballarat Open, we sat down with Adam Pegg, the Stadium Manager at Ballarat Table Tennis Association (BTTA), who shared his passion for table tennis and the significant strides the association is making in growing the sport. With a mix of enthusiasm and strategic vision, Pegg delves into the transformative initiatives BTTA has implemented and the positive impacts on its members and the wider community. 

Adam Pegg’s journey in table tennis began at the age of 12 during a club-organised training camp. This early exposure ignited a passion that has only grown over the years. Now, as the Stadium Manager and a coach at BTTA, Pegg is deeply involved in running competitions, managing club operations, handling bookings, and fostering a welcoming environment for both junior and senior players. 

One of Pegg’s primary goals at BTTA is to build a strong sense of camaraderie among members. Pegg’s efforts have not only increased participation but also created a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the club. 

“It's about trying to develop a community,” he explained.  

“This sense of community is nurtured through coaching, developing junior and senior players, and engaging local schools.”  

When Pegg took over as Stadium Manager four years ago, he set out with a clear plan to grow the sport in Ballarat and attract more events to the club. Significant improvements, such as upgrading the flooring to a multipurpose setup and enhancing the lighting, have positioned BTTA to host major events, including the recent national Olympic qualifiers. Pegg emphasised the importance of making table tennis attractive and exciting to compete with other popular sports like football and basketball. 

“These upgrades are just the beginning,” Pegg noted. 

“We’ve got the infrastructure in place to host national events and training camps. Our next step is to bring more high-profile events to Ballarat and continue growing the sport locally.” 

“By creating hype around events, engaging schools, and offering positive coaching environments, BTTA aims to inspire new members and retain their commitment to the sport.” 

Pegg’s passion for table tennis extends beyond coaching and managing. As an umpire, he aspires to participate in the Olympics, a goal he’s actively working towards. He is currently sitting at national umpire status, with a long-term goal of officiating at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. 

“I wanted to be involved in the Olympics, and umpiring provided that path,” Pegg shared.  

“After realising that it wasn’t going to happen as a player, I knew I had to get in the chair.” 

Ballarat’s rapid growth has brought increased cultural diversity, which BTTA actively embraces. The association is working to engage Ballarat’s strong Indian and Chinese communities, aiming to be inclusive at both junior and senior levels. 

“We are opening up and becoming more welcoming, tapping into these vibrant communities,” Pegg explained. 

“We have been working with the council to engage these markets and grow within it at multiple different levels.” 

Looking ahead, Pegg envisions a more professional and commercially viable future for table tennis in Ballarat and Victoria.  

“We need to move towards a professional model to make the sport sustainable and competitive,” he asserted.  

“Collaborating with other professional clubs like Loops, BTTA is working towards creating a structure that showcases the sport and develops top-tier talent.” 

For Pegg, the most rewarding aspect of his involvement in table tennis is the sense of community and the mentorship opportunities it provides.  

“Seeing juniors grow, develop their skills, and potentially compete at the Olympics is incredibly rewarding,” he said.  

“The joy of hitting that perfect shot or witnessing the progress of players I have coached keeps me passionate and dedicated to the sport.” 

As Ballarat Table Tennis Association continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to fostering a strong, inclusive community and elevating the sport of table tennis to new heights in the region.