Albion legend gives award to community sports club

A National Lottery Award was presented to Tim Holtam by Bobby Zamora

The co-founder of a community sports club has been presented with an award by a Brighton & Hove Albion legend.

Brighton Table Tennis Club in Kemptown prioritises working with those from all walks of life and those who have least access to the sport.

A National Lottery Award was presented to Tim Holtam, co-founder of the club, by former England footballer Bobby Zamora on Friday.

“We’re nearly 18 years into it, and I still feel like we’re just getting started,” Mr Holtam said.

Brighton Table Tennis Club co-founder Tim Holtam was presented with the title Sports Hero

The club was set up in 2007 and has since transformed into a community hub for all, including those with disabilities, former prisoners and asylum seekers.

Mr Holtam was presented with the title Sports Hero, but said it was a “collective endeavour” for everyone who had helped at the club.

“There’s so many good people helping, working, volunteering and playing here,” he said.

The National Lottery Award was presented to Tim Holtam by former footballer Bobby Zamora

The club plays host to athletes like Will Bayley, who won a gold medal for Great Britain in the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

But Mr Holtam said table tennis was accessible for all.

“It’s not just about those few players who reach the top,” he said. “Everyone has played it in a youth club or on holiday. Table tennis is everywhere.”

After giving out the award, Zamora, who made more than 150 appearances for Albion, said the club’s work was “inspirational”.

“Seeing the work that everybody is doing down here first hand is incredible,” he told BBC Radio Sussex.

“It seems to me that sport in Brighton is getting bigger and better.”