East Sussex badminton academy going from strength to strength

As part of their ethos of providing development of the sport and not just on court, the East Sussex Junior Badminton Academy have been quick to build on work already done with members.
Heathfield coaches Squad Player of the Year Ryan Burdett with coach Sean NewberryHeathfield coaches Squad Player of the Year Ryan Burdett with coach Sean Newberry
Heathfield coaches Squad Player of the Year Ryan Burdett with coach Sean Newberry

Their coaches are all first aid qualified, and support has continued through encouraging and financially supporting four more juniors on to the new Badminton England coaches Foundation (L1) certificate.

Zara Hyland, Abbey Spencer, Adam Newberry and Bradley Lynam all qualified this season, bolstering the coaching staff.

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At the last sessions, chairman William Brown recognised their efforts and presented the Squad Player of the Year Awards, with the Kevin Marquiss and Allen Gales awards made in honour of two previous committee members who had both died of cancer and had contributed much to the success of the academy over the years.

New Foundation L1 coaches  Adam Newberr Abbey Spencer & Jessica NewberyNew Foundation L1 coaches  Adam Newberr Abbey Spencer & Jessica Newbery
New Foundation L1 coaches Adam Newberr Abbey Spencer & Jessica Newbery

At Bexhill the Squad Player of the Year award plus the Allen Gales award went to Harvey James.

At Heathfield the Squad Player of the Year, voted by the players, was Tristan Hyland, and the Bexhill Squad Player of the Year, voted by the coaches, plus the Kevin Marquiss award, went to Ryan Burdett.

This is the first time that two awards have been presented to the same players.

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Because of the coronavirus situation, the presentation to Harvey was made at his home by William - this coming before such visits were banned by the government.

Heathfield Players' Player of the Year Tristan Hyland with coach Sean NewberryHeathfield Players' Player of the Year Tristan Hyland with coach Sean Newberry
Heathfield Players' Player of the Year Tristan Hyland with coach Sean Newberry

The chairman said: “I feel very privileged to attend and make presentations to very deserving players. It is also very satisfying to see how well our squads are managed by the very dedicated coaching staff.”

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