TASTER sessions are up and running at schools in Kirklees as part of the build-up to a big Badminton Open Day at Huddersfield Sports Centre on Sunday.
Kirkroyds Primary was the first of many schools to take advantage of demonstrations by badminton coaches Hayley Smith and Graham Howe and 28 children took part along with teacher Alison Akid.
The coaches illustrated that badminton is a sport which can be played by anyone at any age – a point which will be underlined on Sunday when top players Donna Kellogg, Harry Wright and international Marcus Ellis will be present to help introduce people to the sport.
At the schools, balloons, blow up paper balls known as plus balls and shuttlecocks have been used to give children a fun badminton experience. The youngsters also took part in a competition which will be judged at Sunday’s Open Day.
Hayley – who has set up and part-funded the Open Day to give people chance to get involved in the sport – is also qualified in delivery of the new “Bisi” (Badminton In Schools Initiative), with the aim of introducing badminton to teachers as a viable curriculum sport at all ages.
She explained: “The Badminton Open Day is an opportunity for anyone to come and try the sport of badminton.
“The day is being supported by top badminton players, and lots of fun drills and games are organised for willing participants of any ability.
“The aim is to see the profile of the badminton raised, restoration of the senior league to strength and the creation of a junior league in the area.
“To do this – with the help of Graham Howe and assistance from Badminton England – we have structured a way forward and are committed to badminton development in Kirklees.”
