An Edinburgh coach has been recognised for his dedication to badminton after winning sportscotland’s Young Person’s Coach of the Year Award.
Greg Broadbent set up Edinburgh Badminton Academy (EBA) in 2013 and has driven its success ever since, the Academy was able to make badminton coaching accessible for 250 children in the Lothian area in 2017/2018.
EBA now run coaching sessions every day of the week and, as head coach, Greg organises the sessions so there is one coach for every four children, meaning individual attention is given to everyone regardless of ability.
Greg provides free individual coaching, kit and physical programmes for promising young players to ensure they reach their potential regardless of their financial situation. A 40% subsidy is available for children who come from lower-income backgrounds.
A mark of Greg’s success in inspiring and developing the next generation of badminton players came at the recent Scottish National U11 Championships where Greg had coached 20% of the entire entry, most of whom came to him for their first lessons in the sport.
Greg says being able to see the development of his players is what fuels his passion, along with maintaining the ethos of EBA that everyone should have the same opportunity to play badminton.
He said: “We have one coach for every four players so everyone here, whether they are young or old, experienced or beginners, they all get the same attention and the same type of individual feedback. That’s very important to us.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see them go from barely being able to hit a shuttle to competing at big tournaments and winning them in some cases.
“That’s always really encouraging for me and the other coaches here and something we take great pride in.”
Praise for Greg
Dave won praise from Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, who said: “Greg has done an incredible job in a short space of time to give lots of children in Edinburgh the chance to play badminton. The commitment, dedication and support he offers his players can’t be overstated and he’s a fully deserving winner of this award."
About the COV Awards
The sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2018 were held at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday, 15 November and were a celebration of many of the unsung heroes who support and develop sport in Scotland.
Stewart Harris added: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to help others achieve their sporting goals.
“Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards provide us with a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements that are taking place every day and congratulate individuals on their commitment to Scottish sport.
“At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level in Scotland and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers.”
At the event, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in squash, wheelchair basketball, para swimming, badminton, rugby, judo, lawn bowls, swimming, football, athletics and boccia were recognised for the many hours they dedicate to helping others compete at the best level they can.
Find out more
Visit the sportscotland website for information about the COV Awards.
