The top young table tennis players in the British Isles will be in action at the National Sports Centre in a few weeks time when the Isle of Man hosts the Six Nations Junior and Cadets International, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank.

Teams from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Guernsey will be joining the Island squad in a competition spread over three days.  The team events – involving both boys and girls – take place on Friday 9th March and Saturday 10th March with the individual events following on the Sunday.  Players will be competing at junior (under 18) level and cadets (under 15.)

One of the organisers, Mike Bayley, Acting Chairman of the Isle of Man Table Tennis Association said it was the Isle of Man’s turn to host the prestigious annual event and it was an excellent opportunity for the Island’s top young players to test themselves on home soil against the very best in the UK.

Said Mike: ‘As far as spectators are concerned, it is an opportunity not to be missed.  Many of the players on view will later go on to represent their countries at Commonwealth Games and Olympic level and become the stars of the future.  The standard of table tennis on view from players so young will be a real eye-opener for many people.’

Isle of Man Bank is sponsoring the event – as it did when the Six Nations Senior International was held in the Island two years ago.  Head of Premium Banking, Ian Perry, will be presenting the team awards on the Saturday afternoon as well as the individual trophies at the end of Sunday’s play.

John Lindon, Isle of Man Bank’s Community Investment Manager, said sport – particularly at junior level - was one of the Bank’s main focus areas.  He added: ‘The value of sport cannot be overestimated as it helps young people in all areas of their development and also sets them on the path to a healthy lifestyle.

The names of the members of the Isle of Man squads will be announced shortly.

-ENDS-