Exciting news for the Table Tennis community! Manitoba’s own Phuong Nguyen is set to embark on a transformative journey as she joins the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Mentorship Program. This initiative aims to empower coaches and enhance their skills through valuable guidance and support.

We will follow Phuong along in her journey as she expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Thanks for reaching out! I would love to share my experience. While it’s all online through Zoom, I can provide updates and insights as we progress.” 

The mentorship program consists of seven monthly online sessions, with two sessions each month. These group meetings will focus on theoretical knowledge and discussions, complemented by monthly assignments to be submitted to their mentor. Phuong is one of five mentees working closely with mentor Ryan Jenkins, who brings a wealth of experience, having served as a mentor for four years.

In their first meeting, Phuong noted, “It was a quick introductory session. We had to split into two groups due to different time zones, but it was great. Ryan seems like a really good guy and very knowledgeable.” The first assignment, due at the end of the month, challenges the mentees to articulate their coaching philosophy and the motivations behind their coaching practices. 

Phuong’s participation in the ITTF Mentorship Program is not only a significant opportunity for her personal growth but also a chance to bring back valuable insights to the Female Coach Mentorship program in Canada, where she is actively involved. 

The Table Tennis community is excited to see what Phuong will achieve through this mentorship and how it will enhance her contributions to coaching in Canada. Stay tuned for more updates from Phuong as she navigates this exciting journey!