9 February, 2024
Brandon Yap and Abbygael Harris took time out of their training to pay a visit to the pupils of Giles Brook School in Milton Keynes.
The children of the Tattenhoe primary school were inspired by an assembly and coaching session provided by the pair alongside development and pathway manager Ross Reid.
A short distance from the National Badminton Centre, students got a taste of the nation’s favourite racket sport, tying into Badminton England’s 10-year strategy to make the game accessible to all.
Students enjoyed a series of drills, gameplay and skill-based activities, working on key areas of the game to see what it takes to become a top athlete.
Mark Almond, PE subject leader at Giles Brook Primary School said: “The assembly went really well – the children all had a fantastic time and the engagement was great from all.
“All the staff thought Ross Reid ran the session brilliantly and there was a definite enthusiasm from the children throughout the day.
“Having Abby and Brandon there to answer any questions was useful to everyone there and it was a great day for the school, staff and students.”
Great to see Brandon and Abby take time out from their training schedule to pay a visit to @GilesBrookSCH last week 🚌📚✏️
The players took part in a great coaching session with the pupils before being grilled by the kids on life as a top class badminton athlete 🏸 pic.twitter.com/7rlVtVjrH9
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) January 31, 2024
Harris and Yap provided some valuable insight to the pupils on what it takes to reach the top of the sport.
The mixed doubles pair last competed at the English National Badminton Championships 2024 in January, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by defending champions Greg and Jenny Mairs.
With a strong national mixed doubles picture, Harris and Yap are hoping to share their love of the sport with the next generation who will continue a legacy for years to come.
Giles Brook School pupil Olly said: “It was such good fun and I enjoyed learning how to hit a shuttlecock which I hadn’t done before.”
Fellow pupil Imogen added: “I loved watching Ross do all sorts of tricks and Abby and Brandon too, I was trying to copy them!”
