BARMERA table tennis player Rylan Coppin is set to become the Riverland Table Tennis Association’s youngest ever assistant coach.
The 13-year-old recently put his hand up to assist mentor and coach David Robinson to join this year’s Spinneroos program.
Spinneroos is part of Table Tennis Australia’s junior program aimed at primary school-aged children.
Robinson said Rylan’s contribution to the program could help younger players “see that they’re not far off” playing competitively.
“For a 13-year-old to be coaching seven to 11-year-olds is pretty awesome,” he said.
“These kids can see… they’re not far off having the same opportunities as Rylan.”
Rylan joins the Spinneroos program after finishing division one runner-up in a recent Smash Hit competition in Adelaide.
Robinson said Rylan’s performance earned him a special award for “consistently shown commitment, spirit, enthusiasm, enjoyment, supportiveness and willingness to learn”.
The Spinneroos program — commencing next school term — would be a first for the Renmark Table Tennis Club.
“We’re the first country club in South Australia to have ever been involved,” Robinson said.
“It’s an eight-week program similar to Auskick (AFL).
“Players aged seven to 11 years old get a bag, bat and a shirt by entering.
“It only runs for an hour, from 4.30 to 5.30pm after school, at the Renmark Table Tennis Club.”
The Spinneroos program begins May 5.