Osterley Junior Badminton Club is a thriving badminton club in West London, and has become a cornerstone for budding badminton enthusiasts in the local area.
The club was founded in 2015 as a small social club for four children by one coach, Millie Law.
Now, the club has seven dedicated BE qualified coaches with over 270 students each week- from four-year-old beginners just managing to connect shuttles to rackets to elite juniors competing at the English Junior Nationals.
All of these coaches are county representatives, and four of them are top BWF (Badminton World Federation) ranked professionals, who know exactly what it takes to get to top-level badminton and strive to improve the juniors’ skills.
The club runs ten training sessions a week, and provides a rigorous training routine to lay the foundations and discipline in their students. I had the opportunity to speak to Millie Law, now Head Coach, herself.
She said “There are many things sport teaches us, especially a hard sport like badminton.
“My wish is for all children to learn that they need to work hard for everything they want in life, and never give up.”
With a mix of endurance training, drills, friendly matches, and mini-tournaments, the sessions are structured to appeal to players of all ages and experiences.
Moreover, the club fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among its players.
Beyond developing technical skills, Osterley Junior Badminton Club emphasises values of resilience and sportsmanship- values that resonate both on the court and off.
The club’s inclusive environment ensures that every child feels supported, and provides equal opportunities for those from every background, including children with Special Educational Needs and those in receipt of Pupil Premium.
In addition to regular training, the club also organises teams for tournaments such as the JCL (Junior Club League), and intra-club tournaments for players of all skill levels.
These events have become a highlight for many students, providing them with the perfect opportunities to put their training into action and show off their progress.
Overall, Osterley Junior Badminton Club is just shaping skilled athletes: it’s shaping well-rounded individuals who take the lessons learnt on the court into their everyday lives.
From its dedicated coaches to eager students, the club continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of badminton stars.
