About Match Point Table Tennis Club

Table Tennis Coach instructs young boy in red shirt at indoor table tennis practice.

MatchPoint Table Tennis Club is a friendly, coaching-led table tennis club near Southend-on-Sea, based at Clements Hall Leisure Centre in Hockley, Essex. We welcome juniors and adults, from complete beginners to experienced league players, with structured training sessions designed to help you improve quickly and enjoy the game.

Table Tennis Coaching & Training in Southend and Essex

Our aim is simple: to grow table tennis locally by providing a welcoming place to train, play, and compete. With a 15-table facility (the largest in Southend), MatchPoint brings together players of all ages and abilities — whether you want to build confidence, improve technique, or take your match performance to the next level.

We offer:

Group coaching sessions for adults and juniors
1-to-1 table tennis coaching with personalised support
Membership options for regular training
Events, league opportunities and club nights throughout the year

A Welcoming Club for Beginners, Improvers & League Players

You don’t need to be “good enough” to join MatchPoint.

Some players come to us to learn the basics, others want more consistent training, and many are already competing in local leagues and want to sharpen their game. Our coaching sessions focus on the things that create real progress:

strong technical foundations
footwork and movement
serve and receive
match tactics and decision-making
confidence under pressure

Meet the MatchPoint Coaching Team

Head Coach

George Downing

George Downing is a highly experienced table tennis coach and former international player. He represented England at junior and senior levels, won national titles, and competed across Europe.

George holds a degree in Sports Psychology and Coaching, making him one of the most qualified coaches in the UK. His coaching supports players from beginners through to advanced competitors, with sessions designed to improve technique, tactical awareness, and match confidence.

Coaching style: purposeful practice, clear feedback, and a positive environment that helps players stay motivated and improve consistently.

Assistant Coach

Debbie O’Neill

Debbie O’Neill is a respected table tennis player, coach, and organiser in Essex. She competes for MatchPoint in the Southend and Basildon leagues and has achieved success in regional competitions, including winning the Essex County Table Tennis Association Ladies Doubles title.

Debbie also supports the development of the club and helps create a friendly, welcoming space for players — especially those improving through regular training.

Assistant Coach

Mark Mulley

Mark Mulley is a dedicated table tennis player and coach with years of experience supporting players at all levels. His coaching approach is calm, practical and confidence-building, helping players develop consistency, match awareness, and stronger decision-making during games.

Mark is passionate about growing table tennis locally and helping players enjoy the process of improving.