Ben Watson, a 20-year-old from Comber, County Down, has been awarded young coach of the year at the Table Tennis Ireland Awards. The ceremony was held at the National Sports Arena in Dublin on Saturday.

Watson was recognised for his contribution to table tennis coaching across a range of levels. His work with the Ulster Junior Development Squad included travelling with the team to the West of Scotland Open, and he has also delivered coaching programmes in schools such as Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast.

He believes the breadth of his coaching activities distinguished him from other nominees. His experience spans Ulster squads, local clubs, and camps for juniors through to masters competitors, while he works towards his level two coaching qualification.

His growing reputation has earned him a place as a coach at the Irish Hopes Training Camp in Dublin this weekend. Watson remains an active international player and will represent Queen’s University Belfast and Ireland in the European Universities Games in Salerno, Italy, in July.

He previously competed in the European Youth Championships and now aims for success at the upcoming European Championships and more national titles, along with greater involvement in national team coaching.