I’ve been using Five minutes with…. as an opportunity for people to publicise their sport or club.
Badminton used to appear regularly in the pages of the local papers but seems to have almost disappeared.
So it was an opportune time to ask Ben Davidson just how the sport is faring in Cumbria.
Just to start with Ben, can you tell me how you got started in badminton and how your playing career has developed from there?
My mother was a county first team player when I was growing up, so I was taken along to lots of tournaments and matches as a child and I caught the bug from there.
I have played county badminton since the age of nine/10 and am still hanging in there in the county first team now at 37.
In general terms what is the state of badminton in the county regarding playing numbers, clubs etc?
The number of clubs is decreasing, but there are still plenty of social players in leisure centres. We have several areas including West Cumbria, Cockermouth, Kendal, Carlisle and Penrith where there is plenty of activity and loads of opportunities to play.
Are there leagues still operating in various parts of the county?
Yes, there are four main leagues: North Cumbria Badminton League, West Cumbria Badminton League, Westmorland Badminton League and the Penrith and District Badminton League.
Years ago it seemed every church hall used to provide badminton facilities but has that changed dramatically?
Yes, halls are being used for a wider range of activities now, but there are still plenty of small groups and clubs running in village halls around the county.
Is there a Cumbria County set-up with county matches on a regular basis?
Cumbria has one team in Division 3 North of the national league set up.
Cumbria has produced some top-class badminton talent over the years, including a current Olympian so is there an established pathway for youngsters to make it through to the top?
Yes, we have junior clubs around the county feeding into junior county squads. These have been badly disrupted by COVID but are now recovering well. As well as Lauren Smith we have several young players near to the top of their respective age groups nationally.
Is there serious promotion of the sport in Cumbria, and through what means?
Not really. Just through clubs trying to attract new members.
What about coaching for budding youngsters in the county, is it easily accessible?
There are not many professional coaches in the county. But coaching is available. Most clubs have volunteer coaches. Cockermouth BC, and Border BC in Carlisle have professional coaches, as does Penrith Junior BC, Eden Valley Junior BC and Blencowe BC in Penrith
How would you set about bringing more people (especially youngsters) into the sport?
Promotion in schools and more junior clubs. The most successful clubs in the county tend to have junior sections which bring the next generation of players through into the clubs.
