As the clock ticks towards London 2012, athletes’ preparation and training is paramount in developing the best foundations for success on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

England's Under 19 players achieved first place in the Team Event at the recent U19 Northumberland International Open, held on the 21st November.  The team, made up of Under 17 players, returned home victorious having defeated Wales, Scotland and Sweden.

Junior players from three groups were selected to represent England at the recent Danish Junior Cup competitions, held in Denmark from 11th to 14th October 2008.

Gail Emms says she is determined that her last appearance at an Olympic Games will end with a Gold medal.

Over the weekend of the 25th to 27th April the four Home Nations converged on Scotland to compete in the Bank Of Scotland Under 15 Home Countries Quadrangular 2008.  The tournament was held at the National Badminton Academy in Glasgow.

This seasons Under 17 6 Nations was held in Gladbach-Refrath, Germany over the weekend of the 25th, 26th and 27th April.  England sent a strong team for the event, which is seen as a culmination of the seasons' tournament programme.