12 January, 2024
The England Junior Performance Programme is pleased to confirm this year’s performance team who are in place to enhance and support the Junior Performance Pathway.
Robert Golding has been appointed Badminton England national pathway coach, supporting players, coaches and parents from U11-U15.
In addition, a number of age group coaches (AGCs) have also been appointed, initially through to the end of March 2025, aligned to the Sport England grant funding cycle.
Golding has been heavily involved in building and developing junior players across Essex and within his own academy set-up (OPBC), which he launched in 2017.
He has contributed to the recent success of several OPBC young players who have been invited onto the England Junior Performance Programme, alongside producing National Championship-winning players.
Golding’s key responsibilities will include regular contact with coaches and players alongside visits to training environments, discussing how best to identify and support the ongoing player development within the Junior Performance Pathway.
His role will also include working with competition, development and coach education teams, aligning to Badminton England’s new 10-year strategy for the sport.
On his successful appointment, Golding said, “I am honoured to be working on the Junior Performance Pathway with an opportunity to help develop the champions of the future.
“Together with Kat Hurrell and the newly recruited age group coaches, we will develop a close bond with our players, collaborating with all parties to build a support network for success.
“Implementing performance behaviours from the youngest of ages and creating an elite performance culture will stand the players in good stead throughout their badminton careers and future endeavours.’”
The age group coaches will commence their roles on 15 January and support both Kat Hurrell and Golding with the Junior Performance Pathway.
Key duties will include observations at domestic gold tournaments and National Championships where they will engage with players, parents and coaches to provide support and lead Junior Performance Programme camps.
AGCs will also form part of selection panels for championship events and provide ongoing support to the applicable pathway coach.
These coaches will be seen at upcoming age group domestic gold tournaments so please ensure you say hello and feel free to speak with them.
Both Golding and the AGCs are keen to get started in their new roles to help further support the development of junior players, in collaboration with coaches and training environments across the network.
The coaches appointed to age group are as follows:
Under 11 Age Group Coach Chris Tonks
Under 13 Age Group Coach Sara Sankey
Under 15 Age Group Coach Harley Towler
Under 17 Age Group Coach Atu Sagita
Under 19 Age Group Coach Alex Lane
