JOIN THE CLUB: Badminton to the bone

GEELONG’S junior badminton players are pretty lucky – they have a wealth of international experience to draw upon as they make their way through the ranks.
The array of coaching talent includes four-year Australian team player Craig Booley and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Julie McDonald as well as Victorian state representative players.
Badminton Geelong runs Gee Js social badminton group as well as higher-level coaching for Geelong’s representative squad.
Now the development officer, Craig has been re-introducing the game – the fastest racquet sport on the planet – to schools around the region.
“I’ve visited 19 schools so far and it’s taken off well. We hope to expand to 30 next year,” Craig said.
“The kids like it because it’s non-contact, it’s easy to play and all you need is a multi-purpose room with a reasonably high roof.
“We’ve run a number of successful clinics and had about 2000 kids through them. The game can easily accommodate players of all levels and abilities as well.”
With the high-level coaching and support on offer, it’s no wonder some of the juniors are outstripping the seniors when it comes to achievements.
Blake Haggerty, ranked one in Australia at under-17 level, and Jacob Schueler, number five nationally, are both vying for Victorian team selection to play at a national badminton carnival during Easter.
Alicia Chandran recently made the Victorian under-13 team to play against New South Wales and Geelong intends to send a side to a regional challenge competition.
“There’s plenty of opportunity for juniors to excel and achieve something significant within the sport,” Craig said.
“They can follow the pathway from regional competition to state and national level because badminton is both an Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport.”
Seniors also had ample opportunitys to take to the compact badminton court to get fit as well, Craig explained.
“There’s a whole range of competition for men, women and mixed, at social and pennant level, including evening competitions.
“We’re also working with Badminton Victoria and Diversitat to tap into the Indian and Asian communities because the sport is popular in those regions.
“We have excellent facilities at Corio Leisure Time Centre, with a wooden sprung floor, six purpose-built courts, a pro-shop and players’ lounge, all close to the best in Victoria.
“Badminton is great for general fitness because it uses the whole body and keeps you moving. It’s an aerobically good workout and more fun than walking the treadmill.
“Badminton players value the social aspect of the game as well, so, while we’re competitive, it’s always played in a good spirit.”
Social games are available on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, with competition gearing up again mid-January.
“There’s no commitment for the social games, players can come as they like and play a round robin with rotating partners,” Craig said.
“Lifestyles these days lead to some people being unable to commit every week and this gives them the flexibility to turn up if they want to have a good hit.”
Craig said more information was available by phoning him on 0405 791 224 or visiting badmintongeelong.com.au.