Goslings LGBTQ badminton club from London has been highlighted for its approach to inclusivity in sport – and looks forward to welcoming an influx of new players following a brilliant summer of sport.
London is a hub for Badminton, as one the most popular regions for the sport across the country. Goslings Badminton Club is just one of the 106 Badminton England clubs in Middlesex alone, with over 2465 members that engage with the sport.
Despite its popularity however, the pandemic has caused unprecedented difficulties and prevented many from taking part in the sport they love.
As a predominantly indoor sport, badminton suffered heavily during multiple lockdowns, with the majority of clubs unable to open until July this year, and a large number still unable to reopen following the effects from Covid.
Ubaid-ul Rahman, Chairman at Goslings BC, reflected on the devastating effects of the pandemic, and how the sport is coming back with a bang across the local area:
“When the lockdowns began, we were determined to do whatever what was necessary to ensure regular engagement with our members. We knew the health and wellbeing benefits our sessions provided and we knew these lockdowns will have a detrimental impact on the mental health of some of our players.
“We began by setting up regular online quizzes that kept us social and interacting with one another. Committee members also took a training course in mental health to better understand signs of mental difficulties and what can be done to better support our members. We also kept close contact with our Badminton England engagement manager for additional support.
“The club did an LGBT+ History Month event that brought all the previous generations of Goslings together since the 1980s to talk about the history of the club, the journey, and the impact the club has had on so many lives, creating lasting friendships. This also showed our newer players the legacy of the club and what being part of Goslings means to each and every one of us.
“Looking forward, every week we are seeing new faces come and take part in our sessions, particularly from younger players and female players which is brilliant.”
This week sees the launch of Badminton’s The Big Hit week, which will see Badminton England clubs host a series of events across the country in order to get members back on court and playing after the pandemic, while seeking to introduce the sport to a host of new faces.
Dan Bethell and Krysten Coombs, who won silver and bronze medals respectively where badminton made its Paralympic debut, have highlighted how important this participation can be given the complexities over the last eighteen months.
Coombs reflected: “The Big Hit is really important. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get back into badminton and get back on court after the tough times we’ve had. It’s just great to see para and able-bodied players in the badminton community getting the chance to be back on court.”
“We know sport can be life-transforming,” said Bethell. “The power of sport is incredible. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, when you step onto a badminton court it’s a level playing field and it’s just about meeting amazing people and becoming healthy. Through The Big Hit we really want to spread that message to people both disabled and able-bodied, show them that it’s an amazing sport and I really encourage everyone to get down to their local club and give it a go.”
Badminton England is working to get as many public facilities open as soon as safely possible, in order to get players, clubs and coaches back on court soon.
To find out more about The Big Hit week, visit www.badmintonengland.co.uk
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