Ping Pong Newcastle
If you are looking for somewhere to play ping pong in Newcastle, Newcastle Table Tennis Club runs friendly sessions at PCYC Broadmeadow four times a week. Ping pong and table tennis are the same game. You do not need your own bat, you do not need to book, and you do not need to be any good yet.
Ping pong at a real club
Plenty of people have played ping pong in a garage, at school or at the pub, and want to play more often against people their own level. That is exactly what a club is for. You get proper tables, plenty of space around them, and players from complete beginners through to state-ranked competitors.
The club is volunteer-run, affiliated with Table Tennis NSW, and has been part of the Hunter since 1996. It plays at PCYC Broadmeadow, part of the PCYC NSW table tennis network. Nobody will expect you to know the rules or the lingo. Tell someone it is your first visit and they will find you a table and a hitting partner.
When you can play
| Day | Time | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Social play and graded competition |
| Wednesday | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Social play and graded competition |
| Saturday | 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM | Social play |
| Sunday | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Mainly coaching, fewer people for a game |
If you have never been to a club before, Saturday afternoon is the easiest start. It is relaxed, social and there is no competition running.
Ping pong at the pub or at a club?
A few Newcastle pubs and bars have a ping pong table, and that is a fun way to have a hit with friends. The catch is that the table is usually busy, the space around it is tight, and you are only ever playing the people you came with.
A club is different. The tables are full size with room to move, the lighting is even, and there is always someone new to play. You can turn up on your own and still play all night. Most people who enjoy the pub game are surprised how quickly they improve once they play on a proper table every week.
What ping pong costs in Newcastle
Session fees at the club are $8.50 a night for concession, $9.00 for juniors and $9.50 for adults, paid at the venue. There is also a yearly club registration of $40 for adults and $20 for juniors. Bats and balls are free to borrow, so there is nothing else to buy. See the pricing page for the latest fees.
Free ping pong tables and buying a paddle
If you would rather play outdoors for free, Newcastle has very few public tables. Our guide to public table tennis in Newcastle shows where the one listed on Google Maps is and what to bring.
Thinking of buying your own paddle? Try the club bats for a few sessions first, then read our guide to table tennis bats in Newcastle for where to buy one and what to spend.
Want ping pong lessons?
If you want to improve rather than just have a hit, ask about coaching when you arrive. Experienced players are around the tables every session, and the club can point you to the right coaching for your level. See the table tennis lessons and coaching pages for more.
Your first visit
- Pick a session from the timetable.
- Come to PCYC Broadmeadow in comfortable sports clothes and shoes suitable for indoor sport.
- Pay the session fee at the venue. Cash and card are accepted.
- Borrow a bat and balls if you need them.
- Get matched with someone at a similar level and play.
What a ping pong night looks like
Sessions are relaxed. People arrive, warm up with a few easy rallies, then play games against whoever is free. On Monday and Wednesday nights some tables run graded competition matches, and the rest of the hall is open for social play, so you can watch a competitive game while you wait for a table.
You can play singles or doubles. Doubles is a good way to start because you share the table with a partner and have less ground to cover. Games are short, so you can play several different people in one night.
You do not need to know how to score. Somebody will show you. The main rules are simple: serve from behind the end of the table, let the ball bounce once on each side, and the first to 11 points wins the game.
Getting to PCYC Broadmeadow
The club plays at PCYC Broadmeadow on the corner of Young Road and Melbourne Road, Broadmeadow, a few minutes from Hamilton, Lambton, Adamstown and the Newcastle CBD. There is parking at the venue, and the location page has directions.
Ping pong for kids and teenagers
Under 18s are welcome at regular sessions and pay the junior rate of $9.00 a night, with a $20 yearly junior registration. If your child has only ever played on a garage table, a club session is a great way to see whether they want to take it further. The junior table tennis page explains how juniors get started and where coaching fits in.
Questions about ping pong in Newcastle
Is ping pong the same as table tennis?
Yes. Ping pong is the everyday name and table tennis is the name of the sport. The club plays the same game you know, on full-size tables.
Do I need to book?
No. Just turn up during a regular session.
Do I need my own bat?
No. Bats and balls are provided. Bring your own if you have one.
How much does it cost?
You pay a small session fee at the venue. Check the pricing page for current fees.
Where is it?
PCYC Broadmeadow, corner of Young and Melbourne Streets, Broadmeadow NSW 2292. See the location page for parking and directions.
Related pages
Latest from the club
What's on at the club
Come down for a hit
No booking needed for regular sessions, and bats are provided if you do not have one.
See session times