At a local level our network of Regional Officers are bringing partners together to provide quality badminton opportunities for all. Working in 82 hot spot areas across the country they are creating Community Badminton Networks (CBN) to increase the number of people playing badminton. CBNs offer introductory activity and ongoing sessions for people of all ages and playing ability. We now have 41 CBNs at improving level, which means that quality badminton sessions are available in schools, local clubs, leisure centres and other community settings.  Once introduced to badminton all players are directed towards local clubs, No Strings Badminton sessions and competitive opportunities to keep as many of them playing regularly as possible. These networks are lead by local people who have a vested interest in developing badminton and keeping people fit and active. Three of these areas, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Hull have reached the world leading standard of provision, a fantastic achievement.

At a local level this achievement has been recognised in North Tyneside. Badminton was one of the most successful sports at the second North Tyneside Sports Awards presentation evening.  The local CBN, known as the North Tyneside Badminton Partnership, took the award for “Contribution to Sports Development.”

This was a huge achievement for this World Leading CBN, beating off the challenge of other major sports in the area, and it is a testament to the massive amount of development work undertaken by all those involved.  A number were there to see Regional Officer Norma Waterfield receive a handsome trophy.  Norma is absolutely delighted with this award.  She is also delighted that Rene Waugh, the 66 year old volunteer who now runs the hugely successful North Tyneside Women and Girls Club, which Norma set up, received a runner-up prize in the Senior Volunteer Award category!  Steve Sharp, the inspirational coach who has done so much to get so many schools offering badminton in North Tyneside, and so many children playing the sport, received a runner-up prize for the second successive year in the Coach of the Year category.  Ironically, the Chair of the CBN, Neil Carmichael, who retired from his post as Manager of North Tyneside’s Sports Development Unit 6 months ago, was a runner-up to the CBN, nominated for all his work in developing tennis and badminton over the years! A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all!