Badminton players get ready for new season

BADMINTON players around the isles are gearing up for another busy season.

The annual general meeting was held on Sunday and the new committee have already started preparations to get all training squads, leagues and other competitions up and running.

As in many previous seasons it was a struggle to get enough office-bearers and as things stand the committee are going to have their work cut out. Anyone who is willing to help the committee, without having to take on any specific responsibilities, should contact a committee member to offer their services.

This is also an island games season and the serious work gets under way on Monday night. This session will be at the Anderson High School games hall from 6pm to 8pm and it is vital that players who wish to be involved in the squad turn up for this first session. Anyone who genuinely cannot attend on Monday should contact Anne Wood or Maurice Haining to advise of their interest.

The committee will require to make an early decision whether to enter a team to defend the silver medal won at the 2005 games and Monday night will reveal the level of interest.

Friday night sessions at Scalloway, from 8pm till 10pm, will be used to trial a new level and mixed doubles competition. Playing in small groups players will play competitive matches with and against each other. The top player(s) will be promoted and the bottom player(s) demoted on a weekly basis.

All adult players and players included in the under 18 squad will be eligible to enter. For this competition to work it will be necessary for players to be at the venue at the start of the session. Details will be given next week for the start time of the first session which will be a level doubles night.

The junior development squads also get under way next week with the under-18 squad starting on Thursday night from 8pm to 10pm. The under-13 and under-15 squads will start on Saturday 13th September from 10am to 2pm. Players to be involved in these squads will be invited by the association’s coaches.

All clubs wishing to enter a team in the leagues for the coming season should contact Anne Wood by no later than Sunday, 14th September.

Teams in the John Leask & Son division one are: Aith A, Yell A, Yell B, Whalsay A, Westside Bulls, Sandwick A. Division two teams following last season’s promotion and relegation are: Aith B, Sandwick B, Gulberwick, Burra, Unst A, Unst B, St Clements, Whalsay B.

People can contact Anne Wood by calling 693587. They should give a contact name, phone number and e-mail address for each team.

Finally for all singles enthusiasts a league will be run by Clickimin Leisure Complex this season. Anyone who would like to play should contact Maurice Haining at Clickimin on (01595) 741000) or hand their name and phone numbers to reception.