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Lecturer and student reunited at Table Cricket's 2019 Finals

18 June 2019

Former Nottingham Trent University PE Primary and Special Needs lecturer, Doug Williamson, and alumna Leonnie Mangan (BA Hons Primary Education 2004) recently reunited at Lord's Cricket Ground for the Table Cricket finals.

Table Cricket is an inclusive sport for all physical disabilities, designed by Doug and his students during his time at Nottingham Trent.

Twelve teams attended the finals on Friday 7 June, including Fountaindale School in Mansfield where Leonnie works as PE Coordinator. Fountaindale School specialises in supporting students mainly with physical disabilities from the ages 3–19.

Table Cricket was initially inspired by a previous game Doug had designed called Polybat, an adaption of Table Tennis. Eventually, Table Cricket was adopted by the Lord's Taverners Charity, and annual competitions are now held at the Lord's Cricket Ground. The event has attracted attention from well-known celebrities, brands and media, such as Radio One.

Leonnie reflected on her time at Nottingham Trent University and how Doug inspired her. She says: “Doug Williamson very much influenced me with pursuing a career in working with disabled children. I was inspired by Doug’s lectures as he was passionate about making lesions inclusive, especially PE. It was fascinating.”

Find out more about Table Cricket here