Talk Sport: Bay badminton's soaring popularity

RIDING HIGH: Badminton continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand. PHOTO: File

Badminton is now one of the top five most participated sports in New Zealand - higher than football, cricket and netball.

Research was completed in 2016 by The Gemba Group, a research company which monitors the ever changing world of sports and entertainment. It is also the second most popular participation sport in the world.

Bay of Plenty Badminton is just one of 25 associations across the country but based on population we are the seventh largest. We are also one of the leading associations in the country delivering playing and coaching opportunities to all people across our community.

Across the Bay of Plenty region there are 10 affiliated clubs with 1000+ members and many more casual players.

Bay of Plenty Badminton have been working hard and have developed a new Strategic Plan and new purpose 'Badminton for Life'.

Our focus is:
1: Young People
Developing a love of badminton at an early age is more likely to encourage life-long participation. A focus on basic skills through delivery of the Badminton World Federation Shuttle Time programme to ensure Kiwi kids gain skills to be involved in badminton for life.

2: Engaging Diverse Communities
To create a positive sporting environment that is inclusive for all including rural communities, ethnic groups, Para-badminton.

3: Partnerships and Collaboration
Focus on working with others to share and maximise resources. Identify and build partnerships/relationships to produce mutually beneficial outcomes.

In 2016 we delivered coaching sessions to more than 6000 students in over 46 schools and clubs across the Bay of Plenty region through the BayTrust CoachForce and Kiwisport programmes. This will increase in 2017 as the demand from new schools rises.

Badminton is now in the top 10 sports played in secondary schools across New Zealand and because of this we have seen an increase in requests to upskill teachers and coaches in schools and clubs in Opotiki, Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Whakatane, Rotorua, Turangi, Taupo, Reporoa, Te Puke and Tauranga.

The 2017 season is about to get underway with clubs across the region starting up this week. Badminton is great for building up your fitness while having lots of fun and it's very sociable. All clubs cater for casual players and have racquets that you can use if you don't have one of your own.

For more details about the clubs available in your area please visit our website: www.bopbadminton.co.nz.

If you are interested in anything badminton in the Bay of Plenty, please contact Delwyn Cooper, Bay Trust CoachForce Badminton Development Officer, at badminton@sportbop.co.nz or mobile 027-212-4720.