Cooke & Deaton

How it all began

After spending numerous years collaborating as the dynamic "Player and Coach" duo, Nicola Deaton and Alan Cooke reached a mutual decision to extend their shared Passion, Knowledge, and Experience in Table Tennis to a broader audience.

Our Cooke & Deaton Table Tennis journey began in the year 2000 when we organised the first Summer training camp at Grantham College. Despite the initial modest group of around 24 participants, players traveled from various parts of the British Isles. This initiative swiftly evolved, transforming into a second week with larger groups and additional coaches to provide support.

In the initial years, we continuously introduced modifications to tailor the experience for participants, both on and off the table, ensuring it met their specific needs. Over time, subtle adjustments have been made, and although the formula has evolved, it has been widely embraced by our participants.

Our Summer School now comfortably fills both weeks and now also draws an international crowd, attracting participants from various countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, the USA, and even as far as Australia. The course is great for individuals of different age groups, offering exceptional content and high-quality training. Many of our players have achieved remarkable standards, with notable examples like Liam Pitchford and Tom Jarvis, who early in their careers stayed and trained with us at the Cooke & Deaton Summer School.

We've been fortunate to host renowned player/coaches such as Paul Drinkhall, Sam Walker, Gavin Evans, and our very own Kelly Sibley, who along with our regular high performance coaches have done, and continue to do, an amazing job. They not only provide technical and tactical guidance but also share their valuable experiences with participants during the evening and more relaxed social sessions.

Cooke and Deaton take pride not only in the quality of Table Tennis but also in our friendly approach and the ability to connect with people. Whether young or old, beginner or advanced, the Summer School has proven to be a success for all, boasting a 60% plus return rate and typically reaching full capacity early into the New Year. We are expanding our horizons, venturing into new Table Tennis experiences, aiming to allow others to partake in the exciting and inspiring moments that shaped our own successful careers.