Primary Schools - Badminton in a dining hall? Delivering badminton in what would seem like impossible surroundings is now very possible. Previously known as BISI (Badminton into Schools Initiative) BADMINTON England’s new schools programme will be launched early in the New Year. This will follow National Curriculum Guidelines from KS1 upwards in line with our LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) model. Drop down lines, portable collapsible nets, and shortened rackets all help to modify the game for almost any environment. Training will be offered to SASP coaches with a view to involving Primary schools across the county. It has to be seen to be believed, but it really is possible to get 30 children participating in badminton in almost any school hall!

Secondary Schools Badminton is an integral part of the syllabus for both GCSE and A’level P.E. Badminton is being embraced across the county through our Sports Colleges. In November, King Arthur's Sports College found out the news they had been waiting for, that the school had been accepted as the one of the first BADMINTON England Academy Schools. King Arthur’s is one of only five schools in the country to gain this prestigious status.
One of the major facets of the successful bid is the commitment of King Arthur’s to help to develop badminton in the local community as well as within the school itself. The first step along this route is the establishment of junior badminton coaching for Primary and Secondary school pupils on Saturday mornings. In December Assistant Headteacher Mr. Dwyer (who was the driving force behind the bid) took some of the many King Arthur’s badminton players to the Academy School Launch in Milton Keynes.
The day saw elite players showing off their skills, a tour of the National Badminton Centre and the presentation confirming the Academy School status. Students took part in a coaching session taken by Lee Jae Bok, former international player and National Coach to the England squad. One of the highlights of the day was meeting members of the England squad including Olympic Silver Medal winners Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms.

Clubs

There is a strong base of Junior and Senior clubs across the county playing recreationally and within league structures. Several of these clubs are currently seeking Sport England Silver Club Accreditation. This award ensures the highest standards of play, coaching, equity and safety are met, and opens up many funding opportunities. Accreditation is becoming easier thanks to an extensive help pack available from Sport England. The County Badminton Development Officer is on hand to provide any assistance necessary. Players progressing from school teams and clubs will be directed to these Accredited clubs, thus providing a Development Pathway for young players.

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County

The Somerset School Badminton Association (SSBA) run junior squads at U11, U13, U15 and U17 levels with teams competing in the South West Counties competition. These squads meet regularly for top quality coaching from the best coaches in the county and top national coaches. The county is able to boast players with National rankings and International representative honours.

The BADMINTON England coaching structure has been brought in line with the UK Coaching Certificate, which is intended to bring parity across coaching qualifications in all sports. Level I courses are run regularly throughout the county, with Level II courses running when there is demand. There are also routes into coaching through BISI, CSLA and JSLA training.

Volunteers

As with all sports, the success of badminton in Somerset is due in no small part to the work of volunteers. Anyone who can spare time to assist in any way, no matter how small, will be met with open arms and smiling welcoming faces. Volunteering can help to develop communication, management and inter-personal skills whilst still having fun!