Mossford TTC started as part of Mossford Residents Community Association in Ilford in 1948. Membership consisted of young men returning from active service during the Second World War. Money and raw materials were scarce at that time; so much so that trophies were virtually unobtainable. The Mossford Cup was formed (literally) by donations of metal blazer buttons by players, families and friends to be melted down and formed into a trophy keenly contested by club members. The trophy remains to this day and is symbolic of the togetherness of what the club stands for.

The club is unusual in that whilst most clubs and leagues have reduced in size, it has continued to thrive. The reason for this is quite simply that its committee has always consisted of talented people from various backgrounds who can contribute both table tennis and non-tt expertise. There is no reason to think that this will change. The club is by no means perfect but if all clubs had followed our formula, there would have been no decrease in volume over the years. This mix has also ensured that the club keeps up with changing circumstances.

The club has moved three times during its history and has recently relocated to its present location. All players representing the club are drawn from its membership - ie there are no guest players or mercenary "superstars". Ability alone determines selection, so it is clear that there is a career progression for all members to their appropriate level of competence.

The club has numerous players who have represented the Ilford League and Essex at junior, senior, and veteran levels and all members have an equal opportunity. There is no bar on membership - it is a fully inclusive club that adheres to the ETTA Equity Policy and has achieved Sport England Clubmark Status. Obviously high standards of loyalty, behaviour and co-operation are main requisites of membership. Strong encouragement is also given for members to share the many tasks associated with a successful club. We have a very strong junior coaching scheme consisting of 9 ETTA qualified coaches and a number of volunteer helpers.

When funding allows, high quality guest coaches are sought to expose our higher-level youngsters to improved expertise. However, this should not discourage beginners or modest achievers who are equally welcome. The club cannot close this introduction without paying tribute to the Jack Petchey Foundation, which supplies us with generous funding without which our plans and activities would be difficult if not impossible to maintain.