Paddles out; players ready. Wooden paddles smack the plastic balls as they send them back across the table.  A missed swing and the ball bounces along the floor. Round one goes to the winner.

In its 2nd year, the Ping Pong Club practices after school with a complete set-up: two tables, 30 members, and sponsors Social Studies teachers Mr. Zuidema and Mrs. Faircloth. All students interested in ping pong, regardless of experience, are welcome to come out and join in on the action.

Currently, the club is preparing for “Battle of the Paddles,” to provide funds for Ping Pong for Charity, an annual charitable organization to help poverty in Virginia Beach.

“Our ultimate goal is to have fun while preparing ourselves for the “Battle of the Paddles” in the spring,” Zuidema said.