Blackpool Junior Badminton Membership has been heralded as an inspiration after celebrating its 30-year anniversary over the summer time.
Amelia Parker, 17, has performed at Blackpool for over 5 years, reaching county-level standing for Lancashire and falling in love with the racket sport within the course of.
The membership marked three a long time of neighborhood work in July by holding a mini event with household and buddies on the Blackpool Sports activities Centre, topped off with head coach David Greer receiving a private signed shirt from a number of of Badminton England’s nationwide gamers.
And Parker expressed her gratitude to the membership and all these concerned for giving her very important confidence and management abilities each on and off the badminton court docket throughout her teenage years.
“It’s very rewarding,” she mentioned. “You’re feeling good whenever you play and it’s social side.
“I’ve made new buddies and met new individuals throughout Lancashire and it positively has helped my confidence.
“After I was youthful, I used to be fairly shy however now I’m a really assured particular person due to the membership.
“It’s helped me outdoors of badminton too as I assist with school open occasions and I’ll fortunately give individuals excursions.
“I’m simply extra of a assured particular person usually now. I’d really say I’m fairly the chief. ”
Impressed by Greer’s management, Parker has since grown into teaching herself and revealed her ambition to reward younger youngsters with the boldness and sporting abilities that she has gathered throughout her time on the membership.
“Dave urged that I did my Degree One teaching, which I by no means thought I’d do, and now I assist him with a few of the periods,” she mentioned.
“On the finish of the warmup, we perform a little stretch that I assist lead after which we’ll go into some drills.
“I’ll show and tackle small teams or stroll round ensuring that they’re doing it appropriately.
“I actually like seeing the younger gamers develop and get higher every week. I do like going there as a result of all the youngsters are having enjoyable and enjoying collectively.
“Dave and our different coach Lee [Meakin] are very inspiring and at all times there to assist children.”
Parker admitted that Blackpool Junior Badminton Membership has sparked a want to play the game for all times, believing she actually has discovered a second household on the badminton court docket.
“It’s a really pleasant atmosphere and it feels as if we’re all an enormous household,” she mentioned.
“I do know that Dave and Lee are at all times there for me and I attempt to be there for the youngsters I coach.
“I positively wish to do my Degree Two teaching and I can see myself enjoying badminton for a very long time sooner or later now, if not competitively then at all times socially.”
