The Basics
Academy Badminton Club has recently been awarded the Club Development Fund from Badminton England, which we are using to set up development sessions for Women and Non-Binary people in the Bristol area. These sessions, split between coaching and match play practice, will be open to beginner and improver players who identify as female or non-binary. Our goal is to create that missing link between less experienced players and the local clubs. We will help participants to pick up new skills and confidence, before setting up a welcoming, approachable trial session at one of our local clubs. Here’s the essential info:
What? Friendly, approachable coaching and play for women and non-binary people.
Where? St Paul’s Community Sports Academy, Newfoundland Road, St Paul’s, BS2 9NH
When? Monday evenings, 7-9pm.
Who? Open to beginner and improver players, see our FAQ’s for more detail. Run by local club players and a professional coach. See our Who Are We to find out who will be there.
What do I need? Comfortable sports clothing and trainers. We provide rackets and shuttlecocks, although you’re welcome to bring your own racket if you have one.
How much? £10 per session – this just covers court and coach costs. You can pay when you book, or on the night with card or cash (no change, sorry!) If you need support covering costs, see the FAQ’s for how we can help, no explanation required!
How do I book? You can book through our ClubSpark page. Booking opens three weeks before the session, and closes at 12pm on the day of the session.
More details
Our women and non-binary development sessions are friendly, coached badminton sessions for beginners and improvers who want to try out or improve at badminton, build confidence, and eventually move into a local badminton club in Bristol and Bath. You don’t need a partner, to be fit, to have any experience or even to know the rules – just an interest in giving it a go!
These sessions are for women and non-binary people, from complete beginners to those with some experience. Each week’s session will include one hour of coaching from a Level 2 Badminton England coach, and then one hour of doubles match play in a supportive environment. Each week you’ll learn a new skill and try it out in the sessions, building up your badminton foundation step by step.
At each session, you’ll be greeted and supported by our coordinators. These are members of the badminton community who want to see more women and non-binary people in badminton. Our aim is to create a safe, welcoming space for women and non-binary people to learn and enjoy badminton. Through our sessions you’ll build confidence and skills so that you feel ready to join a local club. We know that approaching badminton clubs can be intimidating when you don’t have much experience or know people there. We’re creating a clear and approachable pathway from “never played” to joining clubs and playing in local league matches (if you want!). We partner with local clubs including Broadlands, Holly Lane and Bristol Falcons to help you take the next step when you’re ready.
Our values:
- No judgement – everyone starts somewhere!
- Respect and safety – for all genders, backgrounds and ability levels.
- Progression – we want to help you grow from beginner to confident club player, or wherever you’re happy in between the two.
- Accessibility – affordable pricing and financial support where needed, no questions asked. Find out more about financials and the support that is available to you.
Interested? Here’s where you can learn more
- FAQ’s – take a look at our frequently asked questions, and get a understanding of what we offer.
- Who We Are – see who’s involved in the sessions, what their role is and how they got into badminton in the first place!
- Code of Conduct – these sessions are designed to be welcoming, fun and relaxed for all. Read about expected behaviour from coaches, coordinators and participants.
