Applications are open for the second edition of the ETTU Level 1 coach education course. The first edition wrapped up this past April, and we’re now opening the course again for a new group of coaches. Level 1 is ETTU’s entry-level coaching course, aimed at coaches who work with children, beginners, and players at participation level. It runs in two parts: an online block of five modules covering general sports science and related fields, followed by a practical week on the table. The first edition gives a good idea of what to expect. Its practical week took place from 22 to 26 April at the new sports centre in Prelog, Croatia. Nineteen coaches from thirteen countries took part, working through the teaching and training methods used to build the basic technical and tactical skills of beginners, and how to plan, structure, and run sessions for players at this level. Many also left with new contacts and a network of colleagues across Europe. The practical sessions were led by Zvonimir KORENIĆ, former coach of the Croatian men’s national team, who ran the technical and tactical methodology with support from Assoc. Prof. Goran MUNIVRANA of the University of Split and Ronald REDJEP, a former Croatian international and head coach of one of the country’s leading clubs. Dr Irene FABER of the University of Groningen (Netherlands) covered talent detection and identification, and Prof. Miran KONDRIČ of the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), former chair of the ITTF Sports Science and Medical Committee, covered conditioning for participation-level players. If you coach at this level and want to take part in the second edition, applications are open until 15 June. See here.
Alfa Food Bagnolese celebrate 20th anniversary with first-ever Italian men’s title
Alfa Food Bagnolese crowned their 20th anniversary celebrations in the most memorable way possible by winning the first Italian Men’s Team Championship title in club history. In one of the most dramatic finals in recent seasons, Bagnolese overcame Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether after three fiercely contested encounters. The newcomers to the top of Italian table tennis won the first leg away from home 3-2, lost the return match 3-1 and then prevailed 3-2 in the decisive playoff on home soil, recovering from a 1-2 deficit to lift the trophy. On their road to the final, Bagnolese defeated Muravera Tennistavolo Sardegna Prodotti Tipici 3-0 in both semi-final matches, while Top Spin Messina ended the title defence of Tennistavolo Sassari with victories of 3-1 and 3-2. The first leg of the final belonged largely to Bagnolese. Mihai BOBOCICA proved decisive with two impressive victories over Vladislav URSU and Niagol STOYANOV, while Hampus SODERLUND saved four game points against Danilo FASO in the opening game before going on to secure a convincing straight-games victory. The second leg produced a remarkable response from Top Spin Messina. Despite the absence of their number one player, Vladislav URSU, the Sicilian club levelled the tie thanks to an outstanding performance from 15-year-old Danilo FASO. The young talent defeated both SODERLUND and BOBOCICA, while STOYANOV added another point against Jordy PICCOLIN. Everything therefore came down to a winner-takes-all playoff match in front of a packed home crowd. SODERLUND once again became one of the heroes of the evening, defeating both Frane KOJIC and Danilo FASO to keep Bagnolese alive. In the decisive final match, BOBOCICA delivered under enormous pressure. He saved four game points in the second game against Humberto MANHANI JR and refused to let missed opportunities in the third affect his concentration, eventually sealing the victory and the championship title. “This playoff was incredible,” said Paolo FRIGERI, head of Bagnolese’s table tennis section. “The crowd was fantastic. Winning our first national title during the year of our 20th anniversary is the most emotional way we could have celebrated. For a town of only 6,000 inhabitants, this is an extraordinary achievement. Even the mayor told us that we have made history.” Bagnolese finished the regular season at the top of the standings and proved their consistency throughout the campaign. “We were the most consistent team during the season and spent almost the entire year at the top of the table. It was not easy because the level of competition is very high. We dedicate this title to our main sponsor, who believed in us from the beginning and helped us live this dream.” FRIGERI also highlighted the unity within the squad as the key to success. “We are a great team with a big heart and everyone loves this club. Our unity made the difference and helped us overcome every difficulty. We played all three final matches with only three available players, while Top Spin could field five. This group, including Tommaso GIOVANNETTI and Rafael DE LAS HERAS, who contributed throughout the season, makes us very proud. The same goes for our supporters. I thank everyone — dreaming together was wonderful.” Final First Leg Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether – Alfa Food Bagnolese 2-3 Second Leg Alfa Food Bagnolese – Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether 1-3 Playoff Alfa Food Bagnolese – Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether 3-2
