If you have any questions that we’ve missed, please feel free to email academybc.shared.email@gmail.com, DM us on our Instagram or come along to a session and ask us in person!
General Questions
- Who can attend these sessions?
- These sessions are for women and non-binary people aged 18 and over who are beginners or improvers. You don’t need any previous experience, just an interest in badminton! If you’re already a strong player or league player, we’d ask you to volunteer rather than book a playing space so that we can prioritise newer players.
- I’m a complete beginner, is that ok?
- Absolutely! Complete beginners are very welcome. We’ll explain the rules and the basics of play, and you’ll be placed with players at a similar level. All you need is some comfortable sportwear, trainers and a water bottle.
- I’ve played casually/socially but not in a club. Are these sessions for me?
- Yep! If you’ve played with friends, at university, with work, or at casual ‘No Strings’ sessions, our sessions are a great next step. We’ll help bridge that gap between social hits and club/league standard.
- I don’t have much experience but would like to play matches.
- Awesome – we’re all super passionate about getting more people into competitive matches. We’ll build your confidence and skills up, then introduce you to the local clubs you can join when you’re ready.
- Can I come if I already play in a club or a league?
- These sessions are designed for new or casual players. That can include club players who aren’t yet at league level and could benefit from introductory coaching. However, if you already play league badminton, we’d love to hear from you as a volunteer, hitting partner or club partner. Please contact us rather than booking on.
- Do I need to provide my own racquet?
- No, although you’re welcome to bring your own. We provide a small stock of racquets for anyone who doesn’t have their own.
- What should I bring?
- Comfortable sports clothing, trainers, and a water bottle.
- Is this a woman-only space? What about transgender and non-binary people?
- This is a women-centred, trans-inclusive space. We welcome women, including transgender women, and trans feminine non-binary people .Our priority is to create a safe, respectful environment. We have a clear code of conduct that all participants must agree to, including no gender policing, respect for others’ identities and zero tolerance for harassment. By attending one our of sessions, you are agreeing to adhere to our Code of Conduct. Our welfare officers are available for any troubles or concerns.
- Please note, we will have coordinators of all gender identities running the sessions.
- What age is this for?
- At the moment, sessions are for adults aged 18+. We are unable to accept under 18’s under any circumstance, even with parents or guardians present. In the future, we hope to expand to include younger players once we have additional safeguarding measures and coaching capacity in place.
- I’m nervous about turning up on my own. What will happen when I arrive?
- You won’t be the only one feeling nervous! A coordinator will greet you and tick you off the register, explain how the session work and introduce you to the others. We’ll make sure you’re matched with people at a similar level.
- What happens after I’ve improved, what’s the next step?
- Our goal is to help people transition into local badminton clubs to continue their badminton journeys. Once you’re ready, we can give you information about our partner clubs. These are clubs who have been vetted by our team and are enthusiastic to bring in new players. You can try sessions at these clubs and find a good fit based on your level and location and then move towards league play if you want to. See below for our partner clubs.
- Do I need to come to every session?
- Absolutely not! Each session we’ll be covering a different topic – from holding the racket to drop shots and smashes. But there’ll always be the coach and coordinators to help with the basics if it’s your first time. You’ll learn the most from attending every session, but you’re welcome to come to as many or as few as you’d like.
Financial Questions
- How much does it cost?
- These sessions are run at cost – we don’t make any money from them. Your payment just covers court and coaching costs.
- The standard price is £10 a session. We do offer a reduced price of £5 per session for anyone experiencing financial difficulty – no questions asked. See below for more information.
- How do I pay?
- You can pay online when you book. If you come on the day, you can pay by card or with cash (in exact change only).
- What’s your cancellation/no show policy?
- We run these sessions at cost, so no-shows will not be refunded. Same day cancellations will also not be refunded.
- If you need to cancel, get in touch and we’ll see if we can give someone on the waiting list your space.
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, we don’t want that to prevent you from attending. Please email academybc.shared.email@gmail.com with the subject line “Development Sessions – FS”, including your name and the sessions you’re booked on. No explanation is needed. We’ll reduce the session price to £5. These sessions are run by volunteers and at cost, and we appreciate everyone using this option considerately so we can continue to keep badminton accessible for as many people as possible.
Partner Clubs
Our end goal is to equip you with the confidence and skills to join a local club and continue your badminton journey. We’re connected with local clubs, with whom we’ll set up trial sessions and introduce you – removing any awkwardness or uncertainty from the process. The local clubs listed are keen to bring in new people, once you’re ready! Talk to our Coordinators if this is something you want to work towards.
Academy – the organisers of these sessions, take a look round the website to find out more!
Avon Jets – based at Bradley Stoke Community School on Thursday nights.
Bath Women – with open sessions on a Saturday and team practice on a Wednesday night, this club accepts beginners on Saturdays and is based at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre. This club is only open to women.
Bristol Drop Shots
Bristol Falcons – based at Badminton School, this club has junior and senior sections. They’re keen to welcome more women and have a court at club night for women, with coaching on offer.
Bristol Swifts – Bristol’s ever-popular and welcoming LQBTQ+ Badminton club, they offer multiple sessions a week and socials. Currently closed to new members, but worth keeping an eye out.
Broadlands – the home club of Charles, our dedicated coach. Open to a range of skill levels and based at Oasis Academy Brislington.
Chew Park Keynsham – a friendly but competitive club at Keynsham leisure Centre, with a mixed standard.
Chew Valley – open to a wide range of standards (including beginners) and offering coaching and junior play, they’re based at Chew Valley Leisure Centre.
Frampton Cotterell – based at Yate Academy with a strong standard of play.
Holly Lane – a women’s only club at Backwell School.
Portishead – an inclusive local club for players of club standard, based at Gordano Sports Centre in Portishead.
RWP – a friendly, vibrant club based in Hanham. They welcome players from good club standard to higher league level. They also run a social session to help people improve their game.
St Lukes – a friendly but competitive club based at Wellsway School in Keynsham.
