by Ian Marshall, Editor
Home for the whole itinerary was the capital city of Bangkok.
“The demand for coach education within Thailand has been quickly growing thanks to the efforts of the Table Tennis Association of Thailand and Thailand’s own ITTF Course Conductor, Korakij Sermkijseree. Korakij, who is also the National Team Coach for Thailand, has conducted four ITTF/PTT Level One Courses in recent months with more scheduled for later in the year. However, more local Course Conductors are needed so it was decided to set-up another Course Conductor Training Course.” Richard McAfee
Overall a total of 29 coaches attended the ITTF/PTT Level One Course with three of those coaches specially nominated by the Table Tennis Association of Thailand attending the Course Conductor training.
Notably, the course received outstanding media coverage, television reported, whilst the Bangkok Post featured a full page.
“Normally the course is given in five days but an extra day was added to ensure enough time for the translation from English to Thai. Any translated course is only as good as the translator and in this case the very best was available as the TTAT General Secretary, Don Mudtangam, took time from his busy schedule to fill that need. Don is a former national team player and international coach for Thailand.” Richard McAfee
The result was that all the coaches passed the practical examination and now return home to complete their 30 hours of required supervised coaching in order to achieve ITTF Certification.
Throughout the ITTF/PTT Level One Course, the three candidates for ITTF Course Conductor Course training received instruction and assisted; all three had previously attended an ITTF Level One Course, two were already ITTF Level Two Coaches.
“With much hard work and help again from Korakij Sermkijseree and Don Mudtangam, all three Coaches were able to pass the theory, practical, and written exams. Thailand now has three new ITTF Course Conductors who will be working for the TTAT under the mentorship of Korakij. This will allow the TTAT to take the ITTF Coaches Programme to all areas of the country.” Richard McAfee
A task completed successfully but for Richard McAfee there is no rest. An ITTF Level Two Course followed by more Course Conductor Training and a National Training Camp is next on the agenda. It is envisaged that those attending the ITTF Level Two Course will assist at the Training Camp and thus add to their knowledge.
Thailand is move forward; a most comprehensive programme is in place.
