SOUTHAMPTON West Table Tennis Club has secured its status as the fastest growing club in the south after entering an amazing 21 teams in this year's Southampton league.

The growth follows hard-work developing table tennis in the area from Anne and Gary Longland as well as the merger this summer with the Snows club.

Snows has been synonymous with Southampton table tennis for some 30 years after being formed by Geoff Snow who as a keen sportsman and businessman has continually supported table tennis in the area.

Geoff, with the support of the late Phil Brown and Chris Shetler, developed Snows TTC into Southampton's most successful club, achieving numerous local and county titles with top players including Terry Bruce, Bill Moulding, Chris Shetler, Simon Heaps and Chris Wilshere.

Long-standing members such as Maurie Shave, Keith Hewitt and Dick Hayes will join forces with Southampton West to provide invaluable inspiration and experience.

Southampton West developed from an after-school club at Nursling Primary School almost four years ago.

Founders Anne and Gary had strong links with Snows TTC and were able to call upon fellow players to develop a junior coaching club.

Since 2001/2, Southampton West had increased its teams in the Southampton league from just one to 16, with strong support from Roly Bennett, Rob Stacey and Don Whicher.

Training sessions are currently based at Regents Park School where the club has its own tables and teams of coaches.

There are five coaching sessions, currently aimed at seven to 18-year-olds, with many of the players representing Southampton and Hampshire.

Due to its expansion, the club has returned to Millbrook Church hall to play some of its league matches and is shortly due to be recognised with 'Premier Club' status by the English Table Tennis Association.

There is also good news for another emerging club - Waterside - who have strengthened their links with international player Ryan Jenkins.

He has signed an agreement to represent Waterside TTC on the English Grand Prix circuit and will again occasionally help with coaching.