November 10, 2022
Nominations are now open for Badminton England’s 2023 National Volunteer & Coach Awards.
This year, the categories open for nomination are Volunteer of the Year, the Geoff Rofe Young Volunteer of the Year and the Grassroots Coach of the Year. All three awards are sponsored by YONEX.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is open to those aged 19 and over, with those between 13 and 18 eligible for the Geoff Rofe Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
These prestigious titles are awarded every year to two volunteers who have stood out in demonstrating undoubted passion, commitment and dedication to badminton in the last twelve months and had a positive impact and influence on others’ experience within the sport.
The 2022 winners were Jess Canfield (Volunteer of the Year) and Oscar Butler (Geoff Rofe Young Volunteer of the Year), both of whom were recognised for playing integral roles within grassroots badminton in Cornwall and Norfolk respectively.
Jess helped Liskeard Junior and Inclusive Badminton Club navigate their return to the court following the pandemic, increasing the number of sessions and playing opportunities available as well as applying for additional funding and establishing a new team in a local league.
Oscar was rewarded for supporting eight hours of badminton activity each week, working closely with a Level 2 coach and helping the younger age groups at his club (Eaton Eagles Junior Club) and school.
The Grassroots Coach of the Year was introduced in 2022 to celebrate coaches who are working tirelessly in the community to provide a positive experience to a large number of players and participants through their clear passion for the sport.
Badminton England are grateful for the impact of all grassroots coaches, who make a positive difference in their local communities by providing the first experience of our sport and driving badminton participation forwards across the country.
The inaugural Grassroots Coach of the Year winner was Keith Burns, for his 14-year long service to Abbey Badminton Club in Hertfordshire.
Keith built up the club to ensure they put on session every day at different venues in different areas, while he has nurtured countless young players in their badminton journeys as well as leading a team of volunteer Level 1 coaches.
To nominate a someone for any of the three awards, please complete the nomination form as fully as possible. The applications will be judged by an independent panel based on the information provided.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 16th December 2022.
