September 28, 2022
The nation’s favourite racket sport prides itself on inclusivity for all and the recent work of a coaching collaboration between Badminton England and the Avon-based healthcare service provider Sirona Care and Health, highlights this.
Badminton England initially joined forces with Health Links from Sirona care and health to fund some equipment and court costs for a group of South Asian women & girls who played badminton at their local school, May Park Primary in Bristol, with the aim to grow opportunities for more females to play.
To cater for the increased demand, more role models were needed within their community to run additional sessions. This led to Badminton England further funding six females, who were each keen to inspire more women to play, to complete their Foundation Award in Coaching Badminton.
Sirona Care and Health have been pivotal in working alongside Badminton England to ensure the coaching pathway is accessible for all through removing any barriers, as well as supporting the individuals to grow their confidence through forming a local female coaching network.
Hannah Davis-Coward, Relationship Manager at Badminton England, identified the organisation as a vehicle to help bring more female coaches into the game in the Bristol and Avon area.
Hannah said: ‘’Our goal was to increase the diversity of our workforce, so we can ensure Badminton is an inclusive sport that everyone can enjoy. We are delighted that through our support, and the help of Sirona Care and Health, we have enabled more females to access our Coach Education programmes who now feel empowered to go on and spread their love of badminton to other diverse ethnic communities in Bristol.’’
These newly qualified Foundation Coaches from Bristol are going on to complete their No Strings Co-ordinator training next month, where they will learn and practise the skills required to set up new adult social sessions in new environments.
Nabeela, one of the six newly qualified Foundation Award Coaches, said: “I cannot express how grateful I am, I have truly learnt so much more than badminton.
“I can apply many skills to my career and role as a daughter, sibling, spouse and mother.”
Want to know more about No Strings Badminton, find a session near you or become a No Strings Badminton coordinator? Visit Adult | Badminton England or contact us at nostringsbadminton@badmintonengland.co.uk
