Berkshire County Badminton Association coordinates a junior section (Berkshire Junior Badminton Association). The junior section is coordinated by a committee comprised of a group of volunteer players, coaches and parents. This committee exists to promote and provide badminton opportunities for players of school age. They also coordinate the junior county teams who compete in the Shires League.
County teams
The Shires League is the name for the annual inter-county league which runs from September to April throughout the UK. There are 4 age groups U12/13, U14/15, U16/7, U18/19
The league is divided regionally and Berkshire play home and away to counties around the south of England. The league culminates in a finals event which is attended by all the teams that come top of their league. The winner on that day is the National Junior Champion Team and it is exciting to say that Berkshire have reached the finals in all 4 age groups for the last 2 years with our U16 team winning last year, U14 won in 2019 and U12s won in 2018.
County Team Selection
Players eligible are those who either are born, live or study in Berkshire. Anyone who would like further information or would like to express their interest should email berkshirecounty01@gmail.com. Players are selected by a selection committee comprised of the team managers of all age groups, who review Badminton England rankings and Gradings to identify the best players available.
Junior County Training
In 2023 we will introduce Berkshire County Training sessions at Crosfields School (Reading) on a Thursday (6.30pm to 8pm) which will be available by invitation only and players wishing to join the county teams can request a trial at berkshirecounty01@gmail.com. Those representing the county must have a ‘compete’ Badminton England membership and will have some experience of playing the circuit tournaments which can be found on www.be.tournamentsoftware.co.uk.
Junior Clubs
There are many junior badminton clubs around the county and any individuals looking for general information relating to junior badminton in Berkshire, can email enquiries to the BJBA committee at jo_andy_clark@hotmail.co.uk.
Coach support
The junior committee also aim to support coaches in setting up new junior clubs or to provide information on opportunities to progress their players, aspiring to support a cohesive community for junior badminton in Berkshire.
Adult Badminton Clubs and Leagues
We also hope to bridge the gap between junior and adult clubs offering information to both parties to increase the succession of juniors to adult leagues. Enquiries relating to the senior clubs available can be found at www.readingbadminton.org.uk.
