New club launched in drive to get more people playing badminton
South Derbyshire could soon be home to the badminton stars of the future, with the launch of a new club at Etwall Leisure Centre.
The leisure centre, recently officially opened by world-class badminton player Donna Kellogg, will be home to the South Derbyshire Badminton Club which will provide sporting opportunities for a variety of ages and abilities all under one roof.
The launch of the club is part of the work to drive forward the badminton opportunities in the district, and a variety of sessions will be held for those aged from seven upwards, all on the same night.
Each Monday the club will begin with a closed session for John Port School students from 3.20pm until 5pm, and sessions will then be on offer as follows:
- 5pm 7pm Junior club for 7 18 year olds
- 7pm 9pm Closed county age group sessions for young people who have been selected as the best in Derbyshire
- 7pm 9pm Adults sessions for people of all standards. A chance to socialise and meet new friends. £3 per session.
- 9pm 10pm Casual pay and play sessions.
The junior badminton sessions will be coached by national talent coach James Boxall, an ex-England International player. Equipment is provided.
The club is being supported by South Derbyshire School Sports Partnership, and South Derbyshire District Council.
Work is also going on to deliver badminton sessions in local primary and secondary schools.
James said: The opening of the new Etwall Leisure Centre has given us the perfect opportunity to increase the standard of badminton in the area and push up the participation numbers.
The aim is to make sure people enjoy the sessions at the club and hopefully we can attract new people week by week and grow the club.
South Derbyshire District Council is also running badminton sessions for those aged 50+ at Etwall Leisure Centre every Tuesday morning, from 8.30am until 10am, at a cost of £1.80 per session.
For more information about any of the sessions at Etwall Leisure Centre call 01283 733348.
Notes to journalists
The programme of delivery is supported by Badminton England, South Derbyshire School Sports Partnership and South Derbyshire District Council.
To discuss this further please contact Nikki Sargeson on 01773 571227 or 07900227017 or e-mail nikki.sargeson@derbyshire.gov.uk
