SportTalk: Winter ushers in Shuttle time

Badminton is a great sport and it suits any gender, age, size and shape.. Photo / Thinkstock

The winter badminton season has just begun in the Bay of Plenty and teachers and coaches around the region will have the opportunity to participate in the Shuttle Time programme delivered by Bay Trust Coach Force.

Shuttle Time is an innovative schools training programme developed by Badminton World Federation (BWF). It offers training resources to help teachers and coaches develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver safe and fun badminton lessons.

The programme will be delivered by me and Bay of Plenty KiwiSport Badminton Officer Lynda Donne.

A great aspect of Shuttle Time is its use of digital media. It includes nearly 100 activity-based video clips which really complement the traditional hard copy resources such as manuals and lesson plans.

Badminton World Federation Development Manager Ian Wright says: "The strength of this programme lies in how it harnesses a range of web-based training resources to make learning effective and possible for teachers and coaches to access anywhere in the world".

All the clubs are now running across the Western Bay and cater for new and experienced players.

Badminton is a great sport and it suits any gender, age, size and shape. It is also a great way to meet people and to get and keep fit during winter.

There are five clubs in the Western Bay and each offer a range of days and times to play. New members are welcome to come and have a go.

Tauranga Club
Where: Bethlehem College Events Centre.
When: Monday & Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm for Seniors.
Monday 2nd & 3rd terms from 6-7.30pm for Juniors.
Contact: Sue Stevens, 021-194-4335.

Tauranga Morning Club
Where: QEYC
When: Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 9.30am-11.30am.
Contact: Wendy Cooper, (07) 552-5293.

Avenues Badminton Club (ABC)
Where: Tauranga Intermediate School Gym.
When: Tuesday, Juniors from 6pm-7.30pm; Seniors from 7.30-9.30pm.
Contact: Lance Murray, 027-957-1116.

Mount Club
Where: Mount Sports Stadium.
When: Wednesday from 7-9.30pm.
Contact: Paula Coupe, 027-637-9107.

Te Puke Club
Where: Te Puke Town Hall.
When: Monday & Wednesday from 7.30-10pm.
Contact: Graeme Neilson, 021-932-562
*More information: Delwyn Cooper, 027-212-4720 or www.bopbadminton.co.nz