On my visit to play at Aycliffe Badminton Club last Friday I was pleased to witness the end of the clubs’ second ‘No Strings’ Badminton session. They are following an initiative that I know is being promoted by Badminton England to encourage participation in the sport at grass roots level where there is no commitment to join clubs, just pay and play.
The ‘No Strings’ session runs from 6 to 7.30pm, I got there around 7 to see a busy hall, players are asked to pay £3 at reception and make their way up to the sports hall where they will meet the ‘No Strings’ co-ordinator who oversees things.
Badminton is the Worlds’ fastest racket sport and is proven to be good for fitness, fun and mental health. At the senior club I play with players male and female aged anywhere between 16 and 76, I’m the wrong side of 50 myself. Everyone started somewhere and these sessions are a perfect gateway in to our sport. Friday nights are ideal if anyone has had a tough week at work or college and are aged 16 plus. They will be welcomed to burn off some energy at ‘No Strings’ and meet a few other like minded people. It’s probably best to drop the club an email for more info: aycliffebc@outlook.com