Exciting New Initiative Aims to Inspire the Next Generation of Badminton Stars
In an impressive stride towards promoting youth participation and inclusivity in sports, Badminton England has officially launched its new junior participation programme, Shuttle Stars. Aimed at children aged 7-11 in Shropshire, this initiative seeks to encourage a new generation to engage with badminton in a supportive and energetic environment.
A Milestone in Youth Sports Initiatives
The launch of Shuttle Stars represents a key moment in Badminton England’s long-term strategy, aptly named "Badminton: A Sport for Everyone," initiated in September 2023. This new programme not only emphasizes fun and inclusivity but also creates an avenue for young individuals to nurture a lasting passion for physical activity. After a successful pilot programme delivered across several leisure centres nationwide, the official launch event took place at the Manchester Velodrome, where over 100 school children experienced badminton sessions, with many trying their hands at the sport for the very first time.
Empowering Young Athletes
The event featured appearances from rising badminton stars Cholan Kayan and Sid Palakkal, who shared their enthusiasm and inspiration with the budding athletes. Cholan, the captain of the Manchester Badminton team, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, "It's great to see so many children having fun... I hope they develop a love for playing badminton." This sentiment reflects the core objective of Shuttle Stars: to provide children with opportunities to engage in sports while fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
Growing Badminton Participation
Recent reports from Sport England indicate a promising rise in youth engagement in badminton, with 483,000 children playing weekly in the 2024/25 academic year compared to 350,700 in the 2017/18 period. Badminton England's membership statistics also show a growth trend, rising from 33,591 in the 2023/24 season to 35,427 in 2025/26. Shuttle Stars is positioned to build on this momentum, aiming to further increase participation and engagement across the country.
Creating a Future for All
George Wood, Sport Director at Badminton England, conveyed a vision of accessibility, stating, "We want Shuttle Stars to bring a new generation of children into the sport... regardless of their background, the opportunity to play badminton and develop a lifelong passion for the sport." With such a strong focus on community and relationship-building, Shuttle Stars is set to make a significant impact in classrooms and clubs across England.
As excitement builds, parents and coaches in Shropshire are encouraged to sign their children up for Shuttle Stars, paving the way for new talent in one of the most inclusive sports in the country. More details on local centres and clubs participating in this initiative can be found at badmintonengland.co.uk/play/programmes/shuttle-stars.
