Norfolks trip to Milton Keynes

A record number of young players from West Norfolk Junior Badminton attended a coaching weekend at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes. Organised by Squad Manager Roger Cetti, the annual trip has become so popular that 16 players from the Norwich and Great Yarmouth area joined the 16 from the West this year. The ever increasing number of players ranged in age from 11 to 18, many of whom were returning for a sixth and seventh time. They were privileged to be coached by former England stars, Paul Truman and Julia Mann. Paul was ranked in the world's top 30 in men’s doubles and Canadian and Icelandic doubles champion. Julia was ranked world number 5 and was national singles champion 8 years in a row. On the Sunday they were joined by another coach and former England player, John Quinn.

The group were accompanied by West Norfolk coaches, Norma Bowen, Robin Cooper and Helaine Wyett, alongside other Norfolk coaches Andre Minnis and Serena Verney. The national coaches put the young players through their paces, teaching them high quality techniques in clears, smashes, drives, net play and footwork, with an emphasis on singles tactics on the Saturday and doubles on the Sunday. Towards the end of the weekend the players then used their new skills in a team competition, consisting of singles and doubles matches. It was not all hard work for the youngsters; on the Saturday they enjoyed a fun evening, bowling at Xscape in Milton Keynes. West Norfolk Juniors are sponsored by Roythorne’s Garage of North Wootton.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"112","attributes":{"class":"media-image size-full wp-image-1454","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"600","height":"397","alt":"Norfolks players pictured with England stars Paul Truman and Julia Mann."}}]] Norfolks players pictured with England stars Paul Truman and Julia Mann.