Harborough LC Junior Badminton Club

Club time: Wednesdays

4-5pm  (8-15yrs) 

5-6pm (11-16yrs)

6-7pm (14-18yrs + 12-13yrs based on playing ability)

Contact: Ray Phipkin

rayphipkin@harboroughlcjuniors.org.uk  

Mobile: 07582195940

Venue: Harborough LC  

Website: http://www.harboroughlcjuniors.org.uk/

2024-2025 Activities:

The weekly Wednesday night sessions (4-5pm, 5-6pm, and 6-7pm) take place on the four courts at Harborough Leisure Centre.

We now have 13 “Junior Community Club Members (aged 5-11),” 54 “Junior Community Club Members (aged 12-18),” and two “Junior Community Members (aged 5-11)” registered with Badminton England for the 2024/25 season. Currently, 25 girls and 44 boys—from school years 3 to 13—attend the sessions. For the 2024/25 season, all members have received a free club hoodie and club shirt.

Unfortunately, the weekly sessions have been significantly affected by the refurbishment of Harborough Leisure Centre. During the eight weeks of Autumn Term 1, only three courts were available for six weeks, and all courts were unavailable for a further two weeks. An additional three weeks were lost during Autumn Term 2 and Spring Term 3. The Sports Hall now benefits from new lighting, repainted walls, and a refurbished floor. However, for the 2025/26 season, it appears the venue intends to use the Sports Hall for soft play, meaning the club will need to relocate to the Arena. With the support of Badminton England and the local council, the club is engaged in discussions with the venue regarding the new Arena building, which is currently deemed unsuitable for badminton.

The eight internal club tournament events will be held during Spring Term 4 to avoid disrupting older players’ exams. This arrangement ensures all scheduled events take place, including the Girls’ & Boys’ Singles and Level Doubles competitions for U10s (excluding Girls’ & Boys’ doubles), U12s, U14s, U16s, and U18s.

A total of 52 trophies will be awarded to winners and runners-up at the club’s trophy presentation night, scheduled for 2nd July 2025. Additionally, the Outstanding Club Member trophy for 2025 and the Most Improved Session Member 2025 trophy (one for each of the three session times) will be presented. A meal and the club’s AGM will also take place on this date.

One junior club player attended the Badminton England Young Leaders Academy. The club has supported members in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards, covering both the physical and volunteer elements at all levels. Furthermore, the club has assisted members with video recordings required for their Badminton PE GCSE. The dedication, commitment, and support of the club’s three Badminton England coaches, parents, volunteers, and—most importantly—the players continue to contribute to the club’s ongoing growth.

The club’s website, http://www.harboroughlcjuniors.org.uk, provides details of all club sessions, along with documents that help everyone fully appreciate what the club offers and what is available to young players. With an established Constitution, Code of Conducts, updated Welcome Leaflets, and additional younger volunteers, the club continues to receive renewed accreditation as a Badminton England Premier Club and a Sport England Clubmark organisation.

Ray Phipkin – Head Coach