CLUB HISTORY
Table Tennis commenced in Whyalla in 1951, a few locals got together to form a social club, they had a fun competition. This was held at a room above the old Whyalla Post Office in the CBD.
1953 The competition became more serious, when the comp moved to the Kelly Street Church, now demolished, the Association was formed with local identity Des Bishop voted in as secretary (the current Seniors Premiership Trophy is named after him). The surface of the Church was pretty ordinary, the floor boards uneven.
1970 Approx. The competition went to the “Buff Hall” in Dick Street. The hall had 4 tables. This venue was the start of Open Tournaments in the Country of South Australia. Many State players competed here. The downside with the Buff Hall was the players used to “quietly drink” in the car-park behind the Hall. Drink driving was not a problem in those days. The police would come and make sure the players were not too noisy. They knew what was going on!
1980 Another move by the Club, this time to the Recreation & Leisure Centre’s Gymnasium, not ideal as there was pillars between tables, eventually we moved to the main basketball area. Great arena, but the club became divided, with A & B teams playing in separate areas. The A’s would not associate or help the B’s, not great for Table Tennis. The club learned a lot from this- “get to a place where all players can mix.”
1984 the Club made the step to its current venue, Jubilee Park
(Whyalla Showgrounds)-its own Stadiums. Initially the floors were concrete, we used one hall. It was so cold the members put down a carpet area with heaters and lounge chairs. A Bar was made from old donated furniture.
The greatest move for Table Tennis in this great city of Whyalla was the decision by the members to build their own clubrooms adjoining their 2 playing stadiums. The members got to work and work hard they did. This as you can see on this website, was the move that made the “success” of Whyalla Table Tennis.
Excellent clubrooms & kitchen facilities are a feature, (completely renovated in 2009) with heating, cooling. The playing stadiums have timber floors, a rubber cushioning under- it is a credit to the members to have a facility of this standard, and all should be proud of their efforts.
The WTTA is the only stand alone “Licensed Table Tennis Club in the world”. There are other attached to another sporting body, Whyalla is exclusive!
The current competition has around 100 players of all ages, from juniors to seniors, both male & female competing.
Feel free to call into the club- we guarantee you will enjoy the atmosphere.