Club Pride on Display at 2015 Butterfly Thanksgiving Teams Tournament
2015 Butterfly Teams
by Barbara Wei
Club development has been on the rise in the US for the last decade, with more and more full time training centers appearing across the East and West coasts. Without a doubt, growth at the grass roots level will be essential for the future of table tennis in this country. With the rise of powerful full time training centers with dedicated members and juniors, loyalty and club pride are increasing as well. At last weekend’s 2015 Butterfly Thanksgiving Teams tournament, extensive club pride and support created an exciting atmosphere for all participants.
Of the 69 teams competing in Philadelphia, PA, more than 40 were affiliated with specific clubs from the across North America. Lily Yip Table Tennis Center (LYTTC) brought a record 16 teams to the event, ranging from the highest levels (“LYTTC Professional”- 4th place finishers) to some of the club’s youngest beginners. Other prominent North East clubs bringing large contingents included NJTTC (3 teams), Quebec TTF (3 teams), Princeton Pong (2 teams) among many others. Even visiting players from China competed on behalf of California Table Tennis Club, sweeping Division 2 with ease. Club pride was on display throughout the competition, with large contingents of family, friends and players from each club supporting other teams from their training centers. Cheering, clapping and support could be heard across the hall, livening up the environment for all competitors.
The tight table tennis community is an important part of developing and maintaining interest in the sport for the long term. Healthy competition between the different clubs drives excitement and renewed interest for everyone involved. Competitions like the 2015 Butterfly Thanksgiving Teams allow players, coaches and families to come together away from the training center and further deepen their bonds with each other and with the sport of table tennis.
Coverage of the 2015 Butterfly Teams Tournament and stories about the athletes are available at ButterflyOnline.com, or via Butterfly North America’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
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2015 Butterfly Teams
November 27th – 29th @ Legacy Youth Tennis And Education Center in Philadelphia, PA
Results: Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Division 5, Division 6 & Division 7
Video Streams– Final Team Rosters – Photos: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
