HOLMFIRTH Junior Badminton Club have held their second successful Xmas Tournament.
It took place at Honley High Sports Centre with competitors aged mainly between 11 and 15 – although the youngest was six-year-old Louis Cromack.
The event was again part funded by Badminton England and Holmfirth coach and tournament organizer Zainal Muhammad said the turnouts this season have been encouraging, with the juniors being very keen to learn.
He added that junior sports, especially in the Change4Life and Enrichment programmes in schools and colleges, should continue to be fully supported as an example of healthy well-being for present and future generations.
The tournament was based on team format, Reds v Blues, and was played in a round robin fashion for maximum points in a fixed time period.
A handicap system of differing court boundaries was introduced to allow for the different ages and abilities.
Louis showed real determination and managed well to contribute nine points towards his team’s winning total of 259, against 238 from the Blues.
The prizes were given out by Holmfirth club secretary, Janet Winn. The Reds won the Silver Salver trophy and gold medals, while runners-up the Blues received silver medals.
In recognition for participation, everyone was presented with a Badminton England drawstring sports bag.
An additional award for Skills Achievement was won by 12-year-old Daniel Whitworth, who managed 51 shots over the net in five minutes with both forehand and well-timed backhand strokes.
He was awarded some vouchers for a free two-hour one-on-one coaching session.
Holmfirth’s coaching programme next year runs from January 9 and they are aiming to run another tournament in Spring (details from the club secretary).
