Badminton Moray starting new coached junior and senior sessions at Forres House Community Centre
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TWO new community sports sessions are starting in Forres this month.
Badminton Moray (BM) is using support from Acciona and the Arnold Clark Community Fund to launch and run junior and senior clubs at Forres House Community Centre.
BM spokeswoman, Ann Rossiter, confirmed sessions for seven to 11-year-olds will start on Friday, August 19 and run from 4.30-6pm.
She said: “This club is starting with two free sessions for children who would like to try the sport before considering membership. Beginners will be welcome and equipment will be available. BM coaches will deliver the sessions with lead coach Angela Bell directing. Junior squad members will be encouraged to help out, providing them with a pathway into coaching development and allowing them to become young ambassadors for the sport.”
Ms Rossiter added: “The pandemic has created a void in grass roots badminton. To help bridge the gap there is a need to kick start primary school age childrens’ involvement. Currently, there is no community children’s club for this age group, only what is run through Active Schools and Andersons Primary School who offer after-school badminton. There is very limited access in the other primary schools.”
Sessions for older players will start on Monday, August 22, from 10.30-11.30am. A charge of £2 per session will help sustain the initiative’s sustainability.
Ms Rossiter said: “Why not get out those rusty rackets, unearth your trainers and meed like-minded people while enjoying physical activity at a level you are comfortable with? Shuttles will be provided and rackets will also be available.”
Both clubs will be run through the Badminton Moray Forum. For more information, email moraybmintonforum1@gmail.com or call 07825 581 738.
Badminton has been a popular sport in Forres for decades, with local players achieving success at national level.
Ms Rossiter already runs Forres Academy Badminton Club on Fridays from 6-8pm during term time at Forres House Community Centre.
She said: “I started over 50 years ago, playing in district leagues. I then went into coaching and created the Badminton Moray Forum. We promote, support and develop opportunities for players to develop.”
Ms Rossiter finished: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing players develop skills and techniques then support others. The groups I have been involved with have had great camaraderie and respect for each other and the coaches which makes being involved very rewarding.”
