Table Tennis England is proud to share that The Exchange Ilford Ping Hub has been shortlisted for the London Sport Awards 2026 in the Active Environment Award category.
Located in The Loft at The Exchange Shopping Centre, Ilford, the Ping Hub has transformed a town centre space into a welcoming place for people to get active.
With four permanent tables and free bats and balls available, it removes common barriers to participation and makes it easy for people of all ages and abilities to pick up a bat, whether that’s casual play with friends and family or joining social sessions and community competitions.
Johnathon Driscoll, London Area Manager at Table Tennis England, said: “The Exchange Ping Hub in partnership with The Exchange Shopping Centre and Ilford BID only opened in January 2025 and it’s gone from strength to strength.
“What’s been most powerful is how organically it’s become a place where the people of Ilford and the surrounding area can get active, socialise and build a real community. The tables are consistently busy and it’s brilliant to see what’s grown around them.
“In October 2025, we were delighted to welcome ITTF President Petra Sörling to the Hub during her visit to the WTT Star Contender London, and she was hugely impressed by the space and its ability to harness the power of table tennis. We’re indebted to The Exchange and Ilford BID for their ongoing partnership and support in making this happen.”
The shortlisting comes at a landmark moment for the sport, with London set to host the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals from 28 April to 10 May 2026 across the Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley.
Community projects like the Exchange Ping Hub help bring the sport to more people before, during and beyond the Championships, supporting Ping for the People, Table Tennis England’s official London 2026 legacy initiative focused on creating lasting social impact by making table tennis easier to access in everyday spaces.
The Ilford Hub also builds on proven success elsewhere. In 2024, the Manchester Ping Hub was recognised at the Manchester Sport Awards for strengthening communities, highlighting the impact this model can deliver when it is rooted in strong local partnerships and community ownership.
The London Sport Awards take place on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at Guildhall, London, where category winners will be announced.
Visit The Great Northern Warehouse Ping Hub