5 Secrets Behind Allen & Sons Table Tennis: The LA Club Run By An Iranian National Champion
The Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club in Canoga Park, California, is far more than a local ping-pong spot; it represents a unique fusion of successful Los Angeles business history and elite international table tennis expertise. As of December 23, 2025, the club remains the premier destination in the West San Fernando Valley for players of all levels, from casual recreational enthusiasts to dedicated athletes seeking professional training.
Originally established as a simple recreational amenity for the employees of a local appliance service company, the club has undergone a dramatic transformation, especially after a key change in ownership. The facility is now led by a world-class coach and former national champion, solidifying its status as a top-tier USATT-affiliated venue and a crucial hub for competitive table tennis in the greater Los Angeles area.
The Legacy of Alan Verny and the Rise of Fovad Kaseb
The story of Allen & Sons Table Tennis is a two-part narrative, beginning with its founder and evolving under its current, highly decorated owner.
Alan Verny: The Entrepreneurial Founder
- Role: Original Founder of Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club.
- Background: Verny was the successful owner of the Allen & Sons Appliance Service Company in the San Fernando Valley.
- Club Origin: He initially created the table tennis center as a recreational facility for his company's employees, fueled by his own passion for the sport.
- Early Expansion: The club quickly grew beyond its initial four tables, expanding into a full-service training facility that became a recognized local gem in Canoga Park.
- Transition: Alan Verny passed away, leading to the sale of the club.
Fovad Kaseb: The Champion and Current Owner
- Role: Current Owner and High-Performance Coach (purchased the club in 2019).
- National Champion: Iranian National Champion in 1985, 1988, and 1989.
- International Success: West Asian Games Champion in 1997.
- Coaching Career: Served as the Head Coach of the Iranian National Men's Team from 2000 to 2010.
- Current Focus: Kaseb leverages his international experience to run the club as a center for elite athlete development and competitive excellence in the US.
1. Olympic-Level Equipment and World-Class Coaching
One of the primary factors that elevates Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club above typical recreational centers is its unwavering commitment to providing a professional-grade environment. The facility is renowned for exclusively featuring Olympic-type equipment, most notably a full complement of premium Butterfly table tennis tables.
This dedication to quality ensures that the playing conditions are optimal for intense training and competitive match play, attracting serious players from across the Los Angeles area. Furthermore, the coaching staff is a major draw. Under the leadership of Fovad Kaseb, a high-performance coach, the club offers a range of instructional services including personalized individual lessons, structured group training, and specialized table tennis camps. This focus on structured development caters to all skill levels, from beginners learning their first forehand to advanced athletes preparing for USATT tournaments.
The club's location at 21915 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303, makes it the only dedicated, full-service table tennis club in the West San Fernando Valley, serving communities stretching from Santa Monica to Malibu.
2. The USATT Competitive Hub and T-Tourney Connection
Allen & Sons is a recognized and active member of the USATT (USA Table Tennis) community, which is crucial for players who want to compete and track their official rating. The club regularly hosts or participates in competitive events, making it a critical venue for the competitive table tennis scene in Southern California.
The club is frequently listed on tournament platforms like OmniPong, indicating its ongoing role in facilitating rated play. These events, often referred to as T-Tourneys, allow players to test their skills against others and achieve official rankings that are recognized nationally. The club’s atmosphere balances intense competition with a supportive community, fostering athlete development at all stages. This environment is particularly beneficial for players transitioning from recreational play to serious, tournament-level commitment.
3. More Than Just a Club: A Full-Service Ping Pong Store
Beyond the tables and the training programs, Allen & Sons operates as a comprehensive resource for all things table tennis. The facility includes an on-site ping-pong store that supplies essential table tennis equipment to the local community and club members.
This equipment sales aspect provides players with easy access to high-quality gear, including professional ping pong rackets, various types of rubber, and official balls. This convenience ensures that players can maintain and upgrade their gear without having to travel outside the Canoga Park area. The store complements the club’s mission of being a full-service table tennis center, making it a one-stop-shop for training, playing, and purchasing necessary gear. This holistic approach helps build topical authority by ensuring all aspects of the sport are catered to within the facility.
4. The Unique Origin Story: From Appliance Service to Athletic Center
The club’s history is one of its most unique and compelling entities. It did not start as a dedicated sports facility but rather as a passion project born from a completely unrelated business: the Allen & Sons Appliance Service Company. This origin story highlights the dedication of founder Alan Verny, who saw the value in creating a high-quality recreational center for his employees.
This unexpected foundation is a testament to how the sport of table tennis, or ping pong, can organically grow into a serious athletic pursuit. The club's growth from a small, in-house recreational spot to a major USATT-affiliated club in the Los Angeles area is a fascinating case study in sports community development. The name "Allen & Sons" is a direct, enduring link to this commercial past, adding a layer of local history to its current reputation for competitive excellence.
5. Training Programs for Every Level of Athlete
Under Fovad Kaseb's direction, the club has formalized its table tennis training offerings to cater to a diverse clientele, focusing heavily on structured athlete development. The programs are segmented to ensure that everyone, from a casual player to a professional hopeful, finds the right level of instruction.
- Recreational Play: Open hours are provided for casual, drop-in play, fostering a vibrant social environment for the Canoga Park table tennis community.
- Beginner/Intermediate Classes: Structured group lessons focus on fundamental techniques, footwork, and basic strategy, building a strong foundation for new players.
- Advanced & Professional Training: Led by Fovad Kaseb and other accomplished player-coaches, these intensive programs focus on high-performance strategy, competitive psychology, and advanced techniques required for success in national tournaments.
The club’s comprehensive approach, combining a rich local history, elite international coaching, and top-tier equipment, solidifies Allen & Sons Table Tennis Club as an indispensable institution for the sport in Southern California.
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