CRAIG ALLEN is preparing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the best way possible – by learning from a former champion. 

The Bromsgrove para table tennis star was recently one of three young athletes to be hand-picked to take part in a special Zoom mentoring session with Walsall’s 2014 judo gold medallist Nekoda Davis.

The in-depth, 90-minute session was set up by Entain and SportsAid – who financially support Allen’s journey – and the Birmingham 2022-bound ace says it proved perfect preparation for a memorable hometown Games.

Allen, 26, said: “It was very good to be involved. Me and Nekoda are a similar age, and that helped me identify with her a bit more.

The Mail: Allen, 26, has enjoyed international success in his Class 9 category and is relishing a crack at next year's Commonwealth Games Allen, 26, has enjoyed international success in his Class 9 category and is relishing a crack at next year's Commonwealth Games

“There was one point where she mentioned we were a similar age and had had similar experiences, while she also explained how she prepared for her previous Commonwealth Games experience.

“I asked about at what point she stopped with media interaction before the Games – she said two or three weeks before, and that helped me focus on things in the long-term.

“A home Commonwealth Games is definitely the ambition. The future of international competition is still uncertain at the moment, but I’ve been continuing to practice four or five times a week at home by myself.”

Allen’s career on the table is fuelled by Entain – owner of Ladbrokes and Coral – and SportsAid’s partnership that helps him access funding for training, travel and equipment.

The West Midlands ace has scooped international medals in Mexico, Romania and Spain in his Class 9 category after honing his craft at Arrow Vale Table Tennis Club as a youngster.

Allen and Davis – also a 2018 World Championship silver medallist – were joined on the call by cyclist Georgia Holt, 20, and taekwondo star Sam Heppenstall-Batty, 19, who are also supported by Entain and SportsAid’s innovative partnership.

The Mail: The West Midlands ace is financially supported by an innovative partnership between Entain - owner of Ladbrokes and Coral - and SportsAidThe West Midlands ace is financially supported by an innovative partnership between Entain - owner of Ladbrokes and Coral - and SportsAid

All three athletes were given the chance to ask Davis a range of questions and engage in a memorable Q&A, covering topics such as setbacks, preparation, social media and dietary advice.

Davis, a former Sports-Aid supported athlete herself who competes in the -57kg category, said: “It was really nice to meet the athletes and I wish them all a massive good luck.

“I was a SportsAid athlete myself, and I feel like SportsAid was the start of my professional elite career.

“It was a real privilege to be there and I’m excited I could show them all my progression and journey.”

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. As part of this three-year partnership, Entain are supporting a diverse group 50 of UK athletes per year from a variety of spots and para-sports. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more