Emma is one of four female coaches chosen to go through to the second year of the programme, which seeks to create a new generation of female talent and performance coaches.

During her week in Sarajevo Emma was involved in discussions with the England team about tactical aspects of the countries they were playing against which gave her a valuable insight into crucial coaching decisions, skills she has brought back to the PE Department at Gordano which is known for its sporting excellence.

Speaking of her experience with the England Women’s Table Tennis Squad, Emma said: “Everything I was involved with throughout the week surpassed all expectations and I learned so much from an elite coaching perspective. The fact that the Head Coach involved me in all decision making and shared his tactical thoughts with me before team meetings gave me a fascinating insight into coaching at this level. To see the England women qualify for the European team finals which will be held later this year was a real privilege and I’m delighted to have played a small part in this. It was a little tense in the last match so I think I will need to learn to control my nerves a little better! It is a week I shall never forget and I hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future. I want to showcase female coaching at an elite level to open a pathway for the next generation of coaches.”

As well as attendance at England squad training camps and coaching at international competitions, Emma has one-to-one CPD sessions and the opportunity to support at talent events.

Head of Performance Development, Gavin Evans, said: “Emma was an asset to the team and having another female coach present made a valuable difference to the team. I know just how much John Murphy and the team appreciated Emma being there and the contribution she made”

John Murphy, England Head coach, said: “It was great to have Emma with the team and she played a huge role throughout the whole week”

Gordano School runs an after-school table tennis club for students and is a feeder for Portishead Table Tennis Club who run out of the Sports Hall. They have a strong junior team, of which many members attend Gordano School. If any Gordano student is interested they can contact a member of the PE staff.