So far, the project has successfully completed two phases:
Phase 1: Coaches received essential training from a top-level expert Eva Jeler laying a strong foundation of knowledge through 10 hours of online coaching sessions, with the focus on various topics like “Technical Development of Young Players aged 10-15” or “Table Tennis Exercises According to Different Aims of Practice.
Phase 2: Coaches gained hands-on experience by attending 7 different development activities including talent identification activities in the form of the ITTF Continental Hopes Week & Challenge for each continent, or ITTF High Performance Training Camps, fully funded by the “My Gender. My Strength.” Project. Onsite, they were able to enhance their skills by taking an active part in the training sessions while assisting and learning from experienced head coaches onsite throughout the activity. The activities took place in Botswana, the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Australia, France, Thailand, and Portugal, between July and November.
Hyojoo Lee (NZL) who attended ITTF Oceania Hopes Week & Challenge in Australia:
“Participating in the Hopes training camp was an incredible opportunity. It was inspiring to witness so many young, gifted athletes showing exceptional promise, with an impressive number of girls in attendance. I had the privilege of learning from a highly respected coach and other seasoned professionals, which contributed significantly to refining my coaching abilities. The “My Gender. My Strength” project has been crucial in my development as a female coach. It has strengthened my confidence, particularly when working in male-dominated coaching environments. The coaches have different skills and coaching styles, which also widened my experience. This project has broken down personal barriers, allowing me to advance as a coach with enhanced confidence and the capability to thrive in diverse coaching teams.”
Xiao Jun (MAS) who attended the Sports Development Super Camp in Thailand:
“It was truly a magical and enriching journey participating in the “My Gender. My Strength” Project. Learning from a highly experienced ITTF expert like Eva Jeler, and listening to her insights and experiences, has sharpened my coaching skills and widened my theoretical knowledge from different angles in table tennis. Engaging in discussions and meeting coaches from different countries, sharing of coaching methods and insights on handling of different situations in competitions both online and in person, was truly mind-boggling, fun, and energizing as great ideas ignite when minds come together. I was also given the opportunity to physically work alongside great coaches such as Joo Se Hyuk and Mamata Prabhu at the Sports Development Super Camp in Thailand, which allowed me to refine and hone my technical skills in terms of how the greats do it as compared to the average coach. The hands-on experience of applying what I have learned has been truly transformative and immensely enriching to my growth as a coach and a leader in this sport. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who made this valuable experience possible.”
Fatima Ezzahra Mazir (MAR) who attended the WYC Preparation Camp in Portugal:
“Participating in the ‘My Gender. My Strength’ project has been inspiring and empowering. The online sessions offered a great foundation for exploring gender dynamics within table tennis. In this phase, I learned from a highly experienced coaching expert, who shared her valuable insights and high-level strategies. This allowed me to deepen my understanding of coaching techniques and gain new perspectives on best practices in table tennis. On the other hand, the in-person camp experience took it to another level. The practical stage offered me the chance to further develop my skills by participating in specific activities for both athletes and coaches, such as the Youth Training Camp. Under the guidance of the head coach Magnus Mallander, I could apply my theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, refine my techniques, and gain hands-on experience that will significantly impact my growth as a coach. “
Danisha Patel (RSA) who attended ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge in Botswana:
„The MGMS program started with some very interesting online topics, listening to the great Eva Jeler. It got even better with the practical aspect where I got to work hand-in-hand with Eva at the ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge. I picked up a few observations when it came to player analysis both on and off the table. Small, small things that matter and make a big difference.
It was an invaluable experience that I will use in my path as a developing coach. It’s the best thing to see when the kids are enjoying themselves while training. And that they gave a smile on their face no matter how hard they are working.”
Ada Somarriba (NCA) who attended the ITTF Americas Hopes Week & Challenge in the Dominican Republic:
“Thanks to the ITTF’s “My Gender, My Strength” project, I had an opportunity to attend online mentoring sessions and also the ITTF Americas Hopes Week & Challenge in the Dominican Republic that transformed my approach to training. This experience enriched my tactics, leading to positive results at the Central American event and helping our Nicaraguan team win bronze at the CODICADER Games where I played the role of coach. I’m grateful to ITTF for empowering female coaches and running such projects as “My Gender. My Strength”, and I encourage more women to get involved in table tennis in their communities.”
Ida Schosler (DEN) who attended the ETTU Hopes Selection Camp in Strasbourg:
“Being a part of the “My Gender. My Strength” project has been an incredibly inspiring experience. The theoretical sessions gave me a wealth of knowledge and a unique chance to learn from someone like Eva Jeler while exchanging ideas with other female coaches around the world. Working alongside experienced coaches at the ETTU camp in Strasbourg allowed me to put my learning into practice and gain insight into the work of top-level coaches. The program has not only strengthened my coaching skills but also expanded my network of talented coaches. Initiatives like these are important for empowering women in table tennis, and I am very grateful to have been a part of the project.”
Nabita Shreshta (NEP) who attended the ITTF Asia Hopes Week & Challenge in Jordan:
„I am immensely grateful to the International Table Tennis Federation and All Nepal Table Tennis Association for the opportunity to benefit from the ”My Gender. My Strength” project. I was so honored to meet with the other competent women virtually from all over the world who are deeply passionate enough to learn, grow, and develop table tennis. The virtual sessions from the experienced ITTF Expert, Ms. Eva Jeler from Germany were so effective that it has shown a clear picture of who I am, what I believe, and where I can go. It was like icing on the cake. Words are not enough to express my thanks to ITTF for qualifying me as a coach and as one of the beneficiaries of MGMS project to have a real hands-on onsite practical experience with the well-renowned coach ITTF expert, Mr. Hisham Ismail at the Asian Hopes I found myself fortunate enough to work under him. It was the biggest platform I have ever got in my coaching career where I got the golden opportunity to expose as well as sharpen my coaching, leadership, and managerial skills among the elite hope players from the different parts of Asia.”
The third stage of the project focuses on developing the leadership and management skills of the candidate, who under the umbrella and with the full support of their Member Association, will be responsible for implementing a National Coaching Seminar over at least two days for other female coaches within their Member Association. An additional objective of this is to create a network among local female coaches and to leave a legacy and make a positive impact on women in table tennis in their Member Associations and beyond. Twenty National Coaching Seminars are expected to be held by the end of this year.
