Joel Fernandes, Head Coach and Development Officer at Stanmore Table Tennis Club, was named London Coach of the Year at the 2026 Table Tennis England Pride of Table Tennis Awards. The award recognised his dedication and his impact on player development. It belongs to a coach who works with juniors and adults alike, and this page explains what the title means, how Joel coaches and what it can mean for you.
Coach of the Year is one of the main categories in the Pride of Table Tennis Awards. In 2026, the area stage drew more than 110 nominations across four categories, and Joel was chosen as the winner for London. The title reflects how a coach is seen by the players, parents and members around them, not just their qualifications or their players' results.
Joel's influence stretches across North West London. He coaches at Stanmore Table Tennis Club, supports league teams in Barnet and Wembley & Harrow, works with Middlesex County and has managed squads at the London Youth Games. He has also coached in local schools which has brought more young people into the sport. The London title recognises a coach whose work reaches well beyond one hall.
The award came at the end of the most successful season in Stanmore Table Tennis Club’s history, which also earned the club the London Club of the Year title. When Joel heard the news, he said he was touched, and that the award reflects the progress the club is making. He was quick to share the credit with the players, coaches and families who make Stanmore Table Tennis Club what it is.
Joel is a UKCC Level 2 Lead Coach with Table Tennis England and leads coaching across Stanmore Table Tennis Club. His role includes:
He is also non-playing captain and coach of the Middlesex County Junior and Cadet teams, and he still captains our league sides. As a competitive player with divisional titles to his name, he knows what his players feel when the score gets tight.
Joel doesn't only coach children. He works with players of all ages, from beginner to advanced, and the adult side of his coaching matters just as much to him. For adults, that can mean:
Adults train alongside juniors at Stanmore Table Tennis Club, and that mix is part of what makes the club special. Experienced adults help younger players, and younger players keep everyone on their toes. Joel encourages it, because everyone learns from it.
Joel's commitment shows most clearly away from the practice tables. He sits on the bench in local league matches, helping players, juniors and adults, read the game as it unfolds. He also travels to tournaments to watch and support his players, and he stays interested in their progress between events. Players and parents remember that consistency.
Joel's sessions run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, and they share a clear approach:
Players who want extra attention can book one-to-one lessons, and the club also offers workshops and seasonal camps.
Parents describe Joel as patient and encouraging, someone who brings out the best in young players. Some families say their children progressed noticeably faster after joining Stanmore Table Tennis Club from other clubs. Adult members also recommend the club for its friendly coaching and supportive atmosphere.
A coaching award can't promise results, and Joel would be the first to say so. What it does show is that the person leading your sessions has been recognised by Table Tennis England for his work with players. Whether you're a parent looking for coaching for your child, an adult wanting to start or return to the game, or a league player looking to improve, you'd be learning from a coach who cares about how you develop.
Stanmore Table Tennis Club welcomes juniors and adults at every level, from first-time players to experienced competitors. Joel coaches with the same care for every player, whatever their age or standard, and the club is built around helping people enjoy the game and keep improving. If you'd like to join us, email us or fill in the form on our Contact Us page and we'll get back to you.
