Ulster Badminton Vision
The major goal we have set to achieve by 2020 is to have:
“a Talent Identification and Development System that is capable of maximising an individual’s potential from being identified at grassroots up to achieving on the world stage”.
The current situation
At grass roots level there is tremendous interest in the sport of badminton. Participation rates are high and it can rightly claim to be Britain’s most popular racket sport. Anecdotally badminton in schools is becoming more popular. This situation is driven by one Regional Officer, teachers, coaches and a number of dedicated volunteers around the country.
At elite level we have a new generation of players that are seriously competing with the top junior European players. The highlight of achievements came from a Gold Medal by Sam Magee in the 2009 U19 Junior European Championships. Junior badminton has always been strong and is most certainly improving with a greater depth in a number of age groups.
Where we want to target improvement
We want to create an environment that produces more players who can challenge the top 20 high performance players. Those players will then have to raise their own standards in order to remain within that elite band, the knock on effect being that they are able to compete more effectively internationally. Improvements in singles are a priority, not only to produce better singles players, but also to provide more mobile, mentally strong doubles players.
How the TDS can help achieve this?
The TDS is integral to achieving the aim of improving the standard of players so more pressure is exerted on the top players. They can do this by setting new standards in their
operations, with particular emphasis on:
- Identifying the right raw talent
- Implementing the right player pathway to support player development
- Involving the right coaches who:
- Set the highest standards of professionalism
- Are committed to all aspects of the coaching process (plan, do, review and evaluate)
- Support players as they move up the pathway
- Commit to Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Contribute positively to a mentoring system
The role of the Talent Development System (TDS)
The TDS is central to us achieving our vision. It will be charged with identifying the gifted, selecting the talented and then providing a sustainable performance-based training environment that produces high standard players. In order to do this the TDS will have to provide:
- a sustainable structure that operates according to sound business principles, including budgeting, marketing, human resources etc.
- a coherent player pathway that meets the training and competitive needs of performance players, with an emphasis on singles development
- a team of coaches who effectively service all levels of the pathway by displaying exemplary standards of coaching practice
Playing Pathway
The playing pathway can be defined as:
“a development route that meet the needs of the player”
For simplicity sake the playing pathway within Northern Ireland is best described by splitting that pathway into a Performance/Commitment Pathway and a Club Pathway.
