Interview With Alan White

Alan White is a familiar face to table tennis people in Sussex and beyond. We took time to chat to one of the most dedicated volunteers on the TT scene.

When did you start playing table tennis?  

1966. At this point you're meant to say 'you don't look that old'!

What roles do you currently undertake in the game?

I’m a multitasker – I coach, umpire, team captain, club leader/developer!

Who do you coach?

I coach students at a range of primary and secondary schools in the south-west Sussex area. I also teach disabled pupils at the Angmering School

Who are your favourite top players past and present?

Desmond Douglas from yesteryear and Timo Boll present

As a coach can you give me your top three tips for the top for young players to take on board

Attend, listen and try your best

What do you particularly enjoy about the game?

Introducing young people into the game.

Any particular frustrations about table tennis you would like to air?

Yes, too much money is spent on top players and not enough on grass roots coaching.

What’s your biggest achievement in the game?

Representing the Army and playing throughout the world.

What are your other sporting/non-sporting interests?

I enjoy swimming and being a part-time youth worker.

What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Inability to move quickly!

What’s your best shot?

Backhand drive

Tell us about your umpiring role.

I’m a County Umpire and travel all round England in this capacity to umpire at most major events for the ETTA. I’m County Umpiring Secretary for Sussex and am due to sit my National Umpire Award in June, so wish me luck!

Have you umpired any big matches?

At the English National Championships I umpired the semi final between Andrew Baggerly and Paul Drinkhall which Drinkhall won. This was on Sky Sports. Also at the Wolverhampton Grand Prix I umpired the match between Drinkhall and Scotland No 1 Gavin Rumgay which Rumgay won 3 – 0.

As an umpire do you have any particular bugbears about players in relation to the rules of the game?

Players who fail to serve properly 

If you could change something about table tennis what would it be?

It would be nice to see some of the training courses that volunteers are encouraged to go on be made a bit cheaper

Alan, thanks for talking to us today and keep up the great work you do!