The ITTF’s commitment to growing table tennis in Oceania took another step forward with the training of the newly appointed Oceania Development Officers in Auckland, New Zealand. Held from 24 to 27 February at the Auckland Table Tennis Association (ATTA), the training program marked a key milestone in ITTF-Oceania’s renewed approach to sport development across the region.
ITTF Sports Development Director Mikael Andersson, alongside ITTF-Oceania CEO Scott Houston, took part in sessions providing an in-depth induction for the newly appointed Oceania Development Officers, Ocean Belrose and Hongbo Liang, equipping them with the tools needed to support the region’s Member Associations effectively. Cherry Harvey, ITTF-Oceania’s Smash Down Barriers Program Manager, also participated in the training.
Building a Stronger Development Network
The four-day program covered key areas such as:
- Understanding the 2025-2028 ITTF-Oceania Strategic Plan
- Reviewing the 2025 ITTF-Oceania budget, including the Oceania Development Program budget
- Defining goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Oceania Development Program
- Providing Level 1 Coaching Course Conductor training
- Developing school visit and training camp exercises
A key focus was on empowering the Development Officers to deliver impactful in-country visits, ensuring Member Associations across Oceania receive tailored support that addresses their specific needs.
“It is an exciting time for table tennis development in Oceania. With the reintroduction of a dedicated Development Program, we now have a structure in place to provide direct, hands-on support to Member Associations across the region. The training in Auckland was a crucial step in equipping Development Officers with the knowledge and skills needed to make a real impact on the ground. By strengthening the foundation at the grassroots level, we are not only supporting emerging talent but also creating opportunities for long-term growth in the sport.” — Mikael Andersson, ITTF Sports Development Director
Following completion of the program Houston commented, “We’re now ready to provide more services where they are needed to our 24 Member Associations. Special thanks to Mikael Andersson for making the trip to New Zealand, the ITTF-Oceania team enjoyed learning from him and it was also helpful to reinforce that ITTF-Oceania’s new approach will make a tangible difference across the region.”
A Roadmap for Growth in Oceania
As part of the ITTF-Oceania Development Program, the first in-country visits are already set, with Samoa and the Cook Islands scheduled for March with more locations to be confirmed in the coming months.
The training program in Auckland represents a renewed commitment to fostering table tennis development in Oceania. By investing in local expertise, structured training, and targeted development initiatives, ITTF-Oceania is ensuring that table tennis continues to grow and thrive in the region.