Author: Callum Napier

We recently held another in-house tournament for members of the club with the first tournament having 9 pairs entering for the night.

A total of 36 games were played with each pair having 8 games to 21.

Overall the competition was close with only 1 point between the top w pairs.

Trophies were give to the top three pairs with all members receiving a prise at the end of the night.

3rd place was Woody & Jo who won 4 games for the night to achieve the 3rd place trophy.

In 2nd place winning 6 games was Linda & Kieran with only 1 point behind 1st place

1st place, though with 7 wins were Maisie & Jack who claimed top spot.

Overall it was a good night for all and congratulations to the winners.

At the AGM held on the 14th May two awards were once again handed out by the club to promising members who have performed well over the last year.

Will Brand Memorial Trophy

Woody Lewis was chosen as the winner of the Will Brand Memorial trophy for most improved player. Woody started with our club less than a year ago with no previous experience and through regular attendance and enthusiasm to learn he has reached league play level. He has played and done very well in our top team in division one men’s and we are so proud of him.

Chairman’s Most Improved

Lily Carter won the chairman’s choice for most improved player. Lily has been with us for a few years and has made steady progress in her badminton skills. This past year we have seen Lily advance her game skills considerably. Although she does not yet play league games she really enjoys her club nights.

Honourable Mention

Another member who has been improving their game this year is Paola Dorigato. Her skill level has improved significantly and she has been playing many division one top team league games this season. Long may her progress continue.

Tim Leakey (Club Chairman/Membership Secretary, officiated at the All England Badminton Championships 2925 in Birmingham this year.

This is the oldest Badminton Tournament in the world, having first been played in 1899.

A long but fulfilling week with world-class games being seen up close (Tim actually covered nearly 87 km and nearly 117,000 steps in the week of the AE!).

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Recently Neal and Callum from YMCA Badminton club entered the men’s doubles tournament this year which was well attended with 3 groups of men’s attending the day.

The tournament ran from 2pm till 6pm with pairs playing at least 5 games each to 21 with no Setting.

Callum and Neal were also able to win a trophy out of the tournament coming second in their group with strong games had the whole tournament.

Tim Leakey (Club Chairman/Match & Membership secretary) recently officiated at the English National Badminton Tournament at Nottingham University. Great matches were played by the players with a player from Sussex winning the men’s doubles (Zack Russ).

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The rescheduled other half of the internal tournament was played recently after having to be rearranged due to bad weather.

Despite the change of date, the event was still well attended with 11 pairs entering the tournament.

See below for some pictures from the night.

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All pairs played well and the tournament ended up being a close finish at the end.

overall there were only 4 point between first and second and third place only coming 6 behind second as well.

Ben and Loretta claimed first place with Lily and Tim coming second and Gemma and Kieran coming Third

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We recently held the first of two In-House tournaments in which all members can compete if they wish.

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The other tournament which had unfortunately been delayed is now happening on the 12 February.

This tournament saw 7 pairs play to 15 twice against each other leading to close matches and at least one victory from each pair.

There were awards for all pairs but trophies were given to the top three pairs of the night with Samantha and Arif coming in first, Tom and Sol coming in second and Ashley and Nick coming Third

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There was the U-17 Gold Tournament at the National Badminton Centre at Milton Keynes recently, where Tim (Leakey – Club Chairman/Match & Membership Secretary) officiated.
A good all-round tournament at the National Centre, which is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
It is also home to the National Badminton Museum, that shows the eras of the game from the beginning to the present day.

Karthik a member of YMCA Badminton club recently had success in the U12 Sussex Restricted Tournament Winning Bronze in the Singles, Silver in Men’s Doubles and Gold in the Mixed Doubles!

Alan Smith, England Badminton Award winner, former Sussex County Chairman and Vice President and Eastbourne and District Badminton Chairman has sadly passed away.

The Eastbourne Badminton League has created a tribute as well as funeral details on the Eastbourne badminton website, Where personal recollections or thoughts can be added. http://www.eastbournebadminton.co.uk/index.htm