Inspiring Young Athletes: The Launch of Shuttle Stars by Badminton England

Badminton England has made a significant step towards promoting youth engagement in sports with the launch of its new junior participation programme, Shuttle Stars. Aimed at children aged 7-11 in Shropshire, this initiative is designed to inspire a new generation to get active and enjoy the sport of badminton.

Shuttle Stars: A Vision for Inclusivity

The introduction of Shuttle Stars aligns with Badminton England’s strategic focus on inclusivity and youth participation, under the banner "Badminton: A Sport for Everyone," initiated in September 2023. The program seeks to provide a fun, welcoming environment for youngsters to learn and foster a lifelong passion for physical activity.

Successful Launch Event

The launch event took place at the Manchester Velodrome, where over 100 children participated in badminton sessions, many experiencing the sport for the first time. They were joined by rising badminton stars Cholan Kayan and Sid Palakkal, who expressed their hope that such initiatives will inspire children nationwide.

A Bright Future for Badminton

Recent statistics from Sport England highlight a positive trend, with 483,000 children engaging in badminton weekly compared to 350,700 in previous years. This growth is mirrored by an increase in Badminton England's membership, now standing at 35,427, indicating a strong grassroots interest in the sport.

Building on Success

George Wood, Badminton England's Sport Director, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all children. The ultimate goal is to ensure that badminton is a sport that everyone can enjoy and learn from, regardless of their background.

The Shuttle Stars programme is more than just an introduction to badminton; it serves as a structured pathway for young athletes interested in competition. Parents and coaches in Shropshire are encouraged to sign up, with more information available on the Badminton England website.