Supporting info to go with photo being taken today, Monday 30^th

April, 2007 at the Kingswinford School at 3pm.

The Kingswinford School becomes one of the best ‘ Top Academy Schools in England ‘ after playing at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 25^th April, 2007.

All our academy players performed outstandingly at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes.  Our school competed against other schools all over the country, many of which had players currently in the England youth squad, so you can imagine just how competitive the tournament was.

The girl’s team came 2^nd overall and were just beaten by the King Arthur’s school in Somerset.

The boy’s team came 3^rd overall and were beaten by just a few points by again King Arthur’s school and by the overall winners who were the Wilson’s school based in Surrey.

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“ I could not have asked for anymore, out of the pupils who participated, as they have not only done myself proud, of what they have all achieved, but they have also certainly put the  ‘ The Kingswinford School ‘ , up there with the best in terms of delivering high calibre sport.

Apart from getting ranked as one of the top 3 schools in England the other thing that made our day was when the Director for Badminton England came over to me and told me that 4/5 of our students were showed great potential and would most likely be playing for England in a few years time and most certainly be in the national GB squad!!!  Our pupils were all closely watched on by players such as Gail Emms ( Olympic Silver Medallist 2004 ) and Britain’s No.1 seed Nathan Robertson ( Olympic Silver Medallist 2004 ).

“ We are all very proud of what our pupils have achieved here, at The Kingswinford School, which would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of all pupils, staff and especially local badminton clubs such as Ashton Badminton Club.” Since our school was awarded the specialist status of being a Badminton England Academy, in December 2006,  it has given us the opportunity of not only delivering top quality coaching to our own pupils but to offer our expertise to all schools, both primary and secondary, all over the Black Country.’   Pupils at other schools such, as Blakeley Heath primary school, in Wombourne, have been given free badminton coaching to introduce and encourage all youngsters to take up and develop the sport whilst at the same time improve their health and well being “  Mr Simon Baggott ( PE Teacher & Sports Centre Manager )

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“It is our aim to encourage more youngsters to participate in the sport of badminton and by working closely with Simon Baggott from the Kingswinford School we are turning out top players some of whom will most certainly be in the London 2012 Olympics.  Pupils from the Kingswinford School have had top class coaching sessions from the very best England players such as Simon Archer (Olympic Medallist) and also current world record holder for the fastest smash shot of 162mph! The academy school also receives top level coaching from England’s under 19’s coach, Lorraine Cole.  I and my husband Doug devote all our free time to assist youngsters in becoming some of the best badminton players in the country. “ as quoted by Maureen Southall, from Ashton Juniors Badminton Club and also owners ‘ Contessa Kitchens who sponsor the Academy school.

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All players were awarded with medals and certificates for gaining 2^nd and 3^rd places along with the school receiving £250 of sports vouchers to spend on equipment. ~

* If any school or individual would like any further information on either learning to play badminton or maybe help in developing badminton further within a school then please contact Simon Baggott at the Kingswinford School on ( 01384 ) 296596.

Pupils who attended the day were as follows;

Kris Wedderburn            ( Year 7 )

Ruth Pearson                        ( Year 7 )

Olivia Rathbone                    ( Year 8 )

Sam Owen                             ( Year 8 )

Jack Davies                           ( Year 10 )

James Hendy                         ( Year 10 )

Stacey Horne                        ( Year 10 )

Katie Parsons                       ( Year 10 )

Ben Owen                              ( Year 10 )

Jack Davenport                    ( Year 10 )