The Table Tennis Project CIC
Serving Up Change, One Spin at a Time
The Table Tennis Project CIC is SpinLab’s flagship community initiative — an inclusive table tennis club based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Born from a passion for sport and a drive for social change, this project tackles some of Aberdeen’s most pressing challenges: child poverty, food insecurity, and lack of accessible physical activity. With nearly 1 in 5 children in Aberdeen living in poverty, we’re using table tennis as a tool to level the playing field — both on and off the table.
We provide:
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🏓 Free coaching and open sessions for underserved youth
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🍽️ Weekly breakfast clubs for kids at risk of hunger
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🧠 A safe, welcoming space for physical and mental well-being
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🏙️ A repurposed urban space turned into a community hub
Inspired by projects like Ping Pong Alkmaar in the Netherlands and supported by networks like the IOC Young Leaders Programme, we’re blending sport, creativity, and impact to build a stronger, healthier Aberdeen.
Our Mission
The Table Tennis Project CIC is SpinLab’s flagship social impact project — using the power of table tennis to address child poverty, food insecurity, and inequality in Aberdeen. With free coaching, inclusive access, and weekly breakfast clubs, we’re transforming a disused warehouse into a full-time community table tennis hub. This project is inspired by Ping Pong Alkmaar in the Netherlands and supported by the IOC Young Leaders Programme.
💡 Why This Project Matters
In Aberdeen, nearly 1 in 5 children live in poverty — the highest rate in the north-east of Scotland. Many young people go to school hungry, with studies showing that 20–30% of UK children regularly skip breakfast, especially in low-income, urban communities.
At the same time, barriers to sport remain high for disadvantaged groups. Cost, accessibility, and lack of safe spaces often prevent young people from engaging in physical activity, which is critical for both mental and physical health.
The Table Tennis Project CIC addresses these challenges head-on by:
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Offering free, inclusive access to table tennis for all
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Providing weekly breakfast clubs to ensure no child plays or learns hungry
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Creating a welcoming community space in a repurposed warehouse
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Supporting wellbeing, skill-building, and social connection through sport
We believe sport isn’t just about play — it’s a platform for opportunity, equity, and resilience.
🌍 Our Impact Goals
At The Table Tennis Project CIC, our mission aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We use table tennis as a tool to create meaningful, measurable change across our community.
Our Goals:
SDG 1: No Poverty
We remove financial barriers by offering completely free access to table tennis coaching, equipment, and club sessions — helping young people in low-income households access sport, structure, and opportunity.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Through regular physical activity, mental health support, and safe social spaces, we promote physical fitness, emotional resilience, and community belonging.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Our club is designed to be radically inclusive — welcoming youth regardless of background, ability, gender, or income. We create equity through access, education, and empowerment.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By repurposing a disused urban warehouse into a vibrant community hub, we contribute to sustainable development in Aberdeen and encourage regeneration through sport.
