Shuttle Stars: A New Era for Youth Badminton in England

In an inspiring move for the future of badminton, Badminton England has officially launched Shuttle Stars, a junior participation programme aimed at engaging children aged 7-11 in Shropshire. This initiative is more than just a programme; it represents a significant milestone in Badminton England's commitment to inclusivity and youth participation in sports.

A Step Towards Inclusivity

Launched at the iconic Manchester Velodrome, the Shuttle Stars programme promises to introduce a new generation to badminton in a fun and welcoming environment. With a successful pilot already conducted across various leisure centres nationwide, Badminton England aims to further drive sign-ups at clubs, leisure centres, and schools throughout England.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The launch event saw over 100 schoolchildren experience badminton for the first time, many picking up a racket and participating in sessions led by rising badminton stars Cholan Kayan and Sid Palakkal. During the event, Cholan expressed his hopes that Shuttle Stars would ignite a passion for badminton among children across the country, similar to his own experiences as a young athlete.

Positive Trends in Youth Engagement

Statistics from Sport England's Active Lives Report highlight a positive trend, showing an increase in the number of children playing badminton weekly—from 350,700 in the 2017/18 academic year to 483,000 in 2024/25. As Shuttle Stars aims to build on these numbers, it integrates the promise of a structured pathway for children eager to progress in competitions.

A Bright Future for Badminton

George Wood, Sport Director for Badminton England, has emphasized the programme's aim to nurture an inclusive sporting environment where children can learn, stay active, and make new friends. As Shuttle Stars rolls out across the country, opportunities for engagement with badminton will become more accessible, fostering lifelong enthusiasm for the sport among young people.

Shuttle Stars is set to ignite a wave of enthusiasm for badminton in England, giving every child the chance to experience the joy of sport. For parents and coaches in Shropshire, now is the time to enroll their children in this transformative programme.