The U12 squad participated in their second multi-sport session on Monday 31st October, which allowed them to try their hand at Table Tennis.

The players joined a Kids@ASV Table Tennis session at Aberdeen Sports Village, where they received instruction from coaches Charlie Flint, Charlie Matthew, Dick Ferro and Donald Pirie.  The coaches run drop -in sessions on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year from 4.00-5.00pm & 5.00-6.00pm which allows children of all abilities to attend.  If children are enjoying, and are progressing and improving, they can go on to compete for the Aberdeen Sports Village TT Academy at national tournaments, and in the Aberdeen & District Table Tennis Association leagues.  The club currently hosts the British U14 Schools Boys Champion, who also attended the U15 European Youth Games, along with Scottish Schools Champions at U12 boys & U14 boys, and in the U16 girl’s category.
 
Donald Pirie, who led the session, commented about the use of Table Tennis as a training aid for young football players; ‘Table tennis is great for hand eye co-ordination but also for footwork and can help to develop proprioception in young players, which is all essential for young football players.’
 
AFC wish to thank Kids@ASV Table Tennis for hosting the first of two sessions that they are providing for Youth Academy players, and wish the 14 members attending the U12 schools championship at the end of November the best of luck.
 
For more information on the Aberdeen and District Table Tennis Association visit www.tabletennis365.co.uk/aberdeen.