New Babolat partnership supports National Schools Championships
To mark a renewed partnership between Babolat and Badminton England, we were thrilled to launch an exciting new competition open to all our regional finalists in this year’s National Schools Championships.
Badminton England were delighted to see the return of the National Schools Championships last year and it has been very rewarding to see so many secondary school pupils compete at a sport which has placed youth at the centre of its long-term strategy.
To celebrate the success of the schools who reached their regional Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 finals, Badminton England and Babolat invited all eligible schools to design a vibrant, innovative flag to represent their region at the Finals – which will be held at the National Badminton Centre on the weekend of Saturday 20th April 2024.
School children across the country were asked to design a flag that celebrates the values of badminton; Do what matters, Include intentionally, Play for each other and Do today brilliantly. In support of the new initiative, Babolat are rewarding the winning school with a visit from a Babolat badminton ambassador who will join the school for an assembly followed by an exclusive badminton coaching session for the whole school.
Forming part of our renewed relationship, Babolat are also committed to supporting our full-time coaching programme and our strategic aim to position coaching as a viable career choice within the sport.
We will also work closely with Babolat to develop an enhanced tournament format which will be designed to create a pathway for players competing across the Tier 4, Bronze and Silver circuits, which Babolat will continue to support.
Badminton England’s Commercial Director, Jenny Clark, said: “Our new renewed partnership is designed to build on a strong, existing relationship and drive greater connection between Babolat and the core priorities of our new 10-year strategy.
“Babolat’s enhanced involvement in the National Schools Championships will help to bring the sport’s values to life and inspire the next generation of badminton players. We can’t wait to see the winning flags on show at the Finals!”
The partnership will also see Babolat deliver kit, equipment and prizes to our ‘No Strings’ adult participation programme – running all year round at venues up and down the country.
Babolat UK Category Manager, Peter Mills, said: “Babolat’s collaboration with Badminton England continues to strengthen and evolve since its inception, signifying a shared commitment to promoting the sport and providing players in the community with top-tier equipment. Babolat are thrilled to be supporting initiatives like the National School Championships and No Strings participation programme. Babolat’s expertise, coupled with Badminton England’s dedication to the development of the sport, creates a powerful synergy that benefits players and fans alike.
“Babolat are delighted to play a role in providing not only prizes and experiences but also equipment and activation events which will lead to further engagement and development of the sport.
“We can’t wait to attend the finals, and to see the winning flags on show!”
