Some say Friday 13th is unlucky, but for one badminton club this year, it was a day to remember. The Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships welcomed the ‘Win a chance for your club to play at All England’ competition winners, Rainbow Racquets. They were able to test out the courts prior to the first play of the day at the prestigious event and experience word class badminton playing conditions.
The club, from Leicester, are particularly keen to develop a larger network of Leicestershire locals and friends, keen to take part in some sport, socialise, meet new people and ultimately have fun. They always welcome new players to go along and play at their regular badminton sessions. With the focus primarily on having a regular badminton group, the club is made up of players of all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.
This season marks their first year taking part in the Leicestershire Badminton League. They are proud to promote active lifestyles whilst flying the flag for the LGBT community wherever they go. Their year has consisted of winning a Badminton England organised social tournament, which helped to pave their way when registering Rainbow Racquets with Badminton England and entering the league this season. For this they would like to thank Greg Howes, Masters Match Secretary, as well as Helena Russo, Badminton England Relationship Manager.
From this moment the club went on to win their first league match fixture, without forgetting all the new people in the badminton community that they met along the way. The club enjoyed being interviewed by BBC Radio Leicester on their background and the aims for the future too. Various members of Rainbow Racquets who had not considered competitive play before, took their first steps down this road. Two members of the league team passed their first Line Judging accreditation course and subsequently signed up for their first event giving something back to the badminton world!
Speaking after their time on the famous courts the club said “we had a wonderful time on the court. Lots of lifelong memories made. We were very much grateful for the opportunity and the warm and generous welcome we received at the event.”
Members of the club attended the All England event for the whole week and a big congratulations and thank you for attending goes to Tina Macrae, Karen Macrae, Slaw Foryst and Antony Norton.
Rainbow Racquets meet up weekly with more detailed information posted on a closed members Facebook group page, which anyone can request to join here. You can also follow the club on Twitter: @RRacquets.
Get involved:
WHEN: Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm and Fridays from 5:00-8:00pm.
WHERE: Aylestone Leisure Centre, 2 Knighton Lane East, Leicester LE2 6LU
CONTACT: rainbowracquets@gmail.com
With the main aim being a social night of badminton, some loan racquets may be available for new players. There is always the possibility of heading out for a cheap and cheerful bite to eat on the first Wednesday of the month, after playing!
