24. 09. 20 how the young leader academy spurred on para-badminton player robert donald

When Hertfordshire’s Robert Donald started playing badminton aged 13, he never expected to fall in love with the sport as much as he did.    Training with coach Philip Grey at Knebworth 

Badminton Club provided the springboard Robert, 18, needed to begin his para badminton journey.   Having also recently attended a Young Leader Academy to improve his skills and confidence,

his badminton prowess has gone from strength to strength.   He said: “At the session I volunteered at, I could only manage small groups or feeding prior to the Academy.   “It gave me the

confidence to give advice and taught me many new techniques for supporting younger players at sessions in a way they can easily understand.”  COMMUNITY   Philip, along with Rich Morris, GB

Para Badminton Head Coach, encouraged Robert to play some bronze tournaments before entering the Para Badminton 4 Nations event earlier this year.   Having met the GB Para Badminton team and

experiencing the family atmosphere, Robert was keen to join the community and has since played some other tournaments.   Currently training at the University of Nottingham, his next goal is

to encourage new players – both able-bodied and para – to give the sport a go.   As a result, not only is he focused on inspiring future generations, but he also said the Academy provided

him with the tools to start a club in the future.   Watch this space!