18 April, 2024
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton are enjoying an influx of badminton fever after support from the Badminton England Development Fund.
Sports coordinator Parth Pindoria set up weekly community-based badminton sessions at the temple in 2023 and now has over 40 players in attendance each week.
The Wednesday night badminton rush has become a key part of the mandir’s new sports programme which is in place to develop the wider community and to promote a more active, healthy and social lifestyle.
From learning key skills and just having fun as a group, Pindoria was thrilled to see how the support of Badminton England has helped bring his vision to life.
“I used to play a lot of sports in high school including badminton and I believe it is a good sport to get this community with all ages involved in,” he said.
“After researching online, including reviewing other badminton clubs and resources on the Badminton England website, I crafted a plan to establish our own club for the community.
“Within a few weeks in my research I got an email about the badminton development fund which described exactly what I needed to start this club.
“It was a quick training course which showed me the basics of playing badminton and how to organise sessions.
“It was helpful and explained how the ultimate aim is for everyone to have a great time.”
The badminton club has now seen people of all ages and abilities walk through the doors and pick up a racket.
Pindoria revealed that the funding from Badminton England has been essential in securing the sports hall hire each week to play whilst also helping develop his own skills as a coach as a No Strings Coordinator.
“The main cost of setting up is the costs of hall hire,” added Pindoria.
“We only have two nearby sports halls in our area where the availability is going quickly.
“The fund provided me with the security and confidence to start our badminton sessions and cover any unexpected costs.”
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton have succeeded in creating a positive sporting environment, giving members the opportunity to play against and with each other in a different and accessible way.
The sessions, which take place once a week, are avaliable to anyone keen to get involved in Pandoria’s eyes, as he encourages more people to live a healthy and active lifestyle through the sport of badminton.
“I have had the opportunity to get to know a lot of new people in my community,” he said.
“It has made me prepped for the next day and I enjoy seeing people learn new skills which makes them smile in the sport.
“Badminton England worked really well in providing me with the support I need to set up the sessions, and have provided me with the confidence and motivation to make this a success.”