Badminton Community Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers and Coaches at All England open
BIRMINGHAM, England – The badminton community honored its dedicated volunteers and coaches, presenting the 2025 National Volunteer and Coach Awards alongside the English Badminton Awards during the semi-finals of the YONEX All England Open championships on Saturday, March 15.
Recognizing Passion and Dedication
These annual awards acknowledge individuals who have shown outstanding passion, commitment, and dedication to badminton over the past year, positively influencing the experiences of others in the sport.
New Award Categories for 2025
For 2025, the National Volunteer & Coach Awards featured four categories open for nominations, including two newly introduced awards:
- Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year Award
- Grassroots Coach of the Year Award
- Committee Member of the Year Award
- technical official of the year Award
The Committee Member of the Year and Technical Official of the Year Awards replace the former Volunteer of the Year Award, allowing for broader recognition of volunteers within the badminton community.
The Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year Award, formerly the Geoff Rofe young Volunteer of the Year Award, retains the same criteria as previous years with only a change to the title.
Oliver Swales Named Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year
Oliver Swales was awarded the 2025 Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year award.
Swales, a 2023 Badminton England Young Leader Academy participant, has been volunteering at Thornaby Badminton Club in Yorkshire as age nine. Contributing four hours weekly, he assists with coaching younger children and manages team competitions. Additionally, he serves as a sports leader and advocate for the after-school badminton club at his school.
Abu Siddique and Oliver Cox have been honored by Badminton England for their outstanding contributions to the sport at the grassroots level. Siddique received the 2025 Grassroots Coach of the Year award, while Cox earned Volunteer of the Year for his extensive work in coaching and youth engagement.
Abu Siddique named Grassroots Coach of the Year
Abu siddique, Head Coach at Ocean Badminton Academy in South Shields, County Durham, has been awarded the 2025 Grassroots Coach of the Year. Siddique dedicates six hours each week to providing free coaching to children ages 6-15.His efforts have fostered a fun, safe, and inclusive environment, earning him the trust and respect of the local community.
Under Siddique’s leadership, Ocean Badminton Academy has grown to 73 registered junior players, including 21 girls. He also launched a “No Strings” session for individuals over 60, which attracts 12-15 players weekly.Furthermore, siddique has mentored three juniors and two adults in completing their Foundation Coaching award, enabling them to assist with the academy’s sessions.
Beyond his work at Ocean Badminton Academy, siddique serves as a national board member for two BME badminton organizations: the Independent Badminton Federation UK and the Friends Cup Badminton Association UK. He has organized and sponsored six badminton tournaments across the North region, furthering grassroots badminton participation.
Oliver Cox Honored as Volunteer of the Year
Oliver Cox has been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Cox, a dedicated volunteer, achieved 100 hours of volunteering in 2024 and earned his Foundation Coaching Award. He actively supports local tournaments and serves as the Communications Officer for the Badminton England National Youth Voice Forum.
BIRMINGHAM, England – Felicity Preston has been honored with the inaugural Committee Member of the Year Award for 2025, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to badminton. The 19-year-old has demonstrated maturity and skill beyond her years in her role as Chair of the Badminton england National Youth Voice Forum.
Felicity Preston Receives Inaugural Committee Member of the Year Award
Preston’s leadership extended across various projects and initiatives throughout 2024 and early 2025. She played a crucial role in the restructure of the National Youth Voice, ensuring the forum’s effectiveness in representing young badminton players. Her responsibilities included acting as the primary liaison between the Forum and Badminton England, advocating for the group’s interests at the national level.
A Champion for Youth in Badminton: Preston’s Impactful Leadership
Beyond her leadership within the National Youth Voice Forum, preston actively participated in key events such as the Club & Coach Conference and the International Women’s Day event at the National Badminton Center. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for young athletes, coupled with her ability to balance her responsibilities with university studies and her own badminton career, has earned her widespread recognition.
Balancing act: Preston Excels in Leadership, Academics, and Badminton
Known for her approachable demeanor, fairness, and willingness to listen to her peers, Preston embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader. Her contributions are expected to have a lasting positive impact on badminton in England.
Badminton England Honors Volunteers and Officials for Exceptional Service
Awards recognize dedication and contribution to grassroots badminton.
Badminton England recently celebrated the dedication and invaluable contributions of volunteers and officials at its 2025 awards ceremony. The awards recognized individuals who have shown long-standing exceptional service to the sport, notably at the grassroots level.
Amanda Balaam Receives Inaugural Technical Official of the Year Award
Amanda Balaam was named the first-ever recipient of the Technical Official of the Year Award. As Honorary Secretary of the Badminton Umpires Association of England, Balaam manages meetings, produces minutes, and compiles annual reports. She serves as the primary liaison with Badminton England, contributing to improvements in systems and processes for the Umpires Association. In 2024, Balaam officiated at 18 events, traveling 3,460 miles and performing 157 duties, including umpiring or service judging in 18 finals.
English Badminton Awards Celebrate Long-Standing Service
Seven individuals received English Badminton Awards for their long-standing exceptional service to badminton.Among the recipients were:
Liz Bateman: A Beacon for Grassroots Badminton in Hertfordshire
Liz Bateman has been a driving force in developing grassroots badminton in Hertfordshire for three decades. A coach at gadebridge Badminton Club, bateman has encouraged volunteers to pursue coaching qualifications and has assisted numerous coaches and starter clubs in applying for funding. She also manages the Junior Aylesbury League and is the Chair of the South West Herts Badminton League.
simon Gilhooly: Dedicated Service to Stanway Badminton Club
Simon Gilhooly has been an integral member of Stanway Badminton Club in Essex as 2007, serving as Treasurer, Team Captain, and in other administrative roles. His commitment has made a significant contribution to the club’s success.
Badminton England Honors Unsung Heroes with National Volunteer & Coach Awards
Badminton England recently recognized a distinguished group of volunteers and coaches for their exceptional contributions to the sport. These individuals have dedicated countless hours to fostering badminton at all levels, from grassroots development to national competitions.
Celebrating Badminton’s Dedicated Volunteers
The National Volunteer & Coach Awards spotlight those who go above and beyond, shaping the future of badminton in England. Here’s a glimpse at some of the award recipients:
Simon Beresford: Cultivating the Next Generation in Essex
Simon Beresford’s impact on junior badminton in Essex is undeniable. Since 2009, he has overseen the junior section of his club, growing it to over 80 members with a waiting list. His involvement extends to the Colchester & East Essex Federation, where he played a key role in its affiliation. Beresford currently serves as Chair and Treasurer of the Essex County Badminton Association, with past roles including League Secretary and Tournament Volunteer.
Jane Humphreys: A Lifetime of Umpiring Excellence
Jane Humphreys has been a fixture in badminton officiating as joining the Badminton Umpires Association of England in 1988.A Badminton World Federation Certificated Umpire as 2005, she has officiated at prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and the Olympics. Humphreys also dedicates her time to training the next generation of umpires as an assessor and tutor and has served on the National Committee of the Badminton Umpires Association of England for 30 years, including roles as President and Secretary. She has also contributed to Badminton England disciplinary panels.
Dave Martin: Umpiring and Refereeing Leader
Dave Martin, a Badminton europe Certificated umpire as 2009, has been a member of the Badminton umpires Association of England since 1994. He has served in various roles on the National Committee, including Regional Secretary and Chair. Martin is also a regional and national assessor and a Badminton England Referee.
Christine Rickwood: building Badminton in Cambridgeshire
Christine Rickwood, alongside her late husband, established Cambridgeshire Schools Badminton and Cambridgeshire county Juniors in 1975. As Chair of Cambridgeshire badminton for many years, she organized numerous after-school clubs and annual tournaments, significantly shaping badminton in the region.
Penny Shears: Transforming Junior Badminton in Bristol and Avon
For over 35 years, Penny Shears has been a driving force in junior badminton in Bristol and Avon.She has run yate Racketeers for 35 years, managed the Avon Junior League for 22 years, and established Beaufort Junior Badminton Club 14 years ago. Her efforts also include running an annual tournament for non-county players and campaigning to save a local sports center.
Alison thompson: The Heart of Elmfield Badminton Club
Alison Thompson has been a member of Elmfield Badminton Club in northumberland for 40 years, serving as Secretary since the early 1990s. In addition to managing the club’s operations, Thompson has been part of the Northumberland Badminton Association Management Committee since 1993, holding the role of League Secretary and contributing to county team selection and tournament organization.
Badminton England recognizes the vital role volunteers and coaches play in the sport’s success and offers its gratitude to all nominees, runners-up, and award recipients.
Badminton England Celebrates Grassroots Heroes at National Awards
Prestigious awards honor volunteers, coaches, and clubs making a difference in badminton across England.
LONDON – Badminton England recently honored outstanding contributions to the sport at its annual awards ceremony. The event recognized the dedication and impact of volunteers, coaches, clubs, and উঠতি players who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of badminton at the grassroots level throughout England.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes of Badminton
The awards highlighted the critical role played by individuals and organizations in fostering a thriving badminton community. Categories included Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year, among others.
Recognizing Dedication and Achievement
Winners were selected from a pool of nominations highlighting exceptional service, innovative programs, and significant achievements within their respective communities. The awards underscored Badminton England’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those who dedicate their time and effort to promoting the sport.
More Facts
Further details about the English Badminton Awards and Honours in Badminton can be found on the Badminton England website.
What new award category was introduced in 2025 to specifically recognize young individuals demonstrating leadership in badminton?
Badminton Community Celebrates Outstanding volunteers and Coaches at All England Open
BIRMINGHAM, England – The badminton community honored its dedicated volunteers and coaches, presenting the 2025 National Volunteer and Coach Awards alongside the English Badminton Awards during the semi-finals of the YONEX All England Open championships on Saturday, March 15.
Recognizing Passion and Dedication
These annual awards acknowledge individuals who have shown outstanding passion, commitment, and dedication to badminton over the past year, positively influencing the experiences of others in the sport.
New Award categories for 2025
For 2025, the National Volunteer & Coach Awards featured four categories open for nominations, including two newly introduced awards:
- Geoff rofe Young Leader of the Year Award
- Grassroots coach of the Year Award
- Committee Member of the Year Award
- technical official of the year Award
The Committee Member of the Year and Technical Official of the Year Awards replace the former Volunteer of the Year Award, allowing for broader recognition of volunteers within the badminton community.
The Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year Award, formerly the Geoff Rofe young Volunteer of the Year Award, retains the same criteria as previous years with only a change to the title.
Oliver Swales Named Geoff Rofe young Leader of the Year
oliver Swales was awarded the 2025 Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year award.
Swales, a 2023 Badminton England Young Leader Academy participant, has been volunteering at Thornaby Badminton Club in Yorkshire as age nine. Contributing four hours weekly, he assists with coaching younger children and manages team competitions. Additionally, he serves as a sports leader and advocate for the after-school badminton club at his school.
Abu Siddique and Oliver cox have been honored by Badminton England for their outstanding contributions to the sport at the grassroots level.Siddique received the 2025 Grassroots Coach of the Year award, while Cox earned Volunteer of the Year for his extensive work in coaching and youth engagement.
Abu Siddique named Grassroots Coach of the Year
Abu siddique, Head Coach at Ocean Badminton Academy in South Shields, County Durham, has been awarded the 2025 Grassroots coach of the Year. siddique dedicates six hours each week to providing free coaching to children ages 6-15.his efforts have fostered a fun, safe, and inclusive environment, earning him the trust and respect of the local community.
Under Siddique’s leadership, Ocean Badminton Academy has grown to 73 registered junior players, including 21 girls. He also launched a “No Strings” session for individuals over 60, which attracts 12-15 players weekly.Moreover, siddique has mentored three juniors and two adults in completing their Foundation Coaching award, enabling them to assist with the academy’s sessions.
Beyond his work at Ocean Badminton Academy, siddique serves as a national board member for two BME badminton organizations: the Independent Badminton Federation UK and the Friends Cup Badminton Association UK.He has organized and sponsored six badminton tournaments across the North region, furthering grassroots badminton participation.
Oliver Cox Honored as Volunteer of the Year
Oliver Cox has been recognized as the volunteer of the Year. Cox, a dedicated volunteer, achieved 100 hours of volunteering in 2024 and earned his Foundation Coaching Award. He actively supports local tournaments and serves as the Communications Officer for the Badminton england National Youth Voice Forum.
BIRMINGHAM, England – Felicity Preston has been honored with the inaugural Committee Member of the Year Award for 2025, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to badminton. The 19-year-old has demonstrated maturity and skill beyond her years in her role as Chair of the Badminton england National Youth Voice Forum.
Felicity Preston Receives Inaugural Committee Member of the year Award
Preston’s leadership extended across various projects and initiatives throughout 2024 and early 2025. She played a crucial role in the restructure of the National Youth Voice, ensuring the forum’s effectiveness in representing young badminton players. Her responsibilities included acting as the primary liaison between the forum and badminton england, advocating for the group’s interests at the national level.
A Champion for Youth in Badminton: Preston’s Impactful leadership
Beyond her leadership within the National Youth Voice Forum, preston actively participated in key events such as the Club & Coach Conference and the International Women’s Day event at the National Badminton Center. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for young athletes, coupled with her ability to balance her responsibilities with university studies and her own badminton career, has earned her widespread recognition.
Balancing act: Preston Excels in Leadership, Academics, and Badminton
Known for her approachable demeanor, fairness, and willingness to listen to her peers, Preston embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader. Her contributions are expected to have a lasting positive impact on badminton in England.
Badminton England Honors volunteers and Officials for Exceptional Service
Awards recognize dedication and contribution to grassroots badminton.
Badminton England recently celebrated the dedication and invaluable contributions of volunteers and officials at its 2025 awards ceremony. The awards recognized individuals who have shown long-standing exceptional service to the sport, notably at the grassroots level.
Amanda Balaam Receives Inaugural Technical Official of the Year Award
Amanda Balaam was named the first-ever recipient of the Technical Official of the Year Award. As Honorary Secretary of the Badminton Umpires Association of England, Balaam manages meetings, produces minutes, and compiles annual reports. She serves as the primary liaison with Badminton England, contributing to improvements in systems and processes for the Umpires Association. In 2024, Balaam officiated at 18 events, traveling 3,460 miles and performing 157 duties, including umpiring or service judging in 18 finals.
English Badminton Awards Celebrate Long-Standing Service
Seven individuals received English Badminton Awards for their long-standing exceptional service to badminton.Among the recipients were:
Liz Bateman: A Beacon for Grassroots Badminton in Hertfordshire
Liz Bateman has been a driving force in developing grassroots badminton in Hertfordshire for three decades. A coach at gadebridge Badminton Club, bateman has encouraged volunteers to pursue coaching qualifications and has assisted numerous coaches and starter clubs in applying for funding. She also manages the Junior Aylesbury League and is the Chair of the South West Herts Badminton League.
simon Gilhooly: Dedicated Service to Stanway Badminton Club
Simon Gilhooly has been an integral member of Stanway Badminton Club in Essex as 2007, serving as Treasurer, Team Captain, and in other administrative roles. His commitment has made a significant contribution to the club’s success.
Badminton England Honors Unsung Heroes with National Volunteer & Coach Awards
badminton England recently recognized a distinguished group of volunteers and coaches for their exceptional contributions to the sport. These individuals have dedicated countless hours to fostering badminton at all levels, from grassroots development to national competitions.
Celebrating Badminton’s Dedicated Volunteers
The National Volunteer & Coach Awards spotlight those who go above and beyond, shaping the future of badminton in England.Here’s a glimpse at some of the award recipients:
Simon Beresford: Cultivating the Next Generation in Essex
Simon Beresford’s impact on junior badminton in Essex is undeniable. Since 2009, he has overseen the junior section of his club, growing it to over 80 members with a waiting list. His involvement extends to the Colchester & East Essex Federation, where he played a key role in its affiliation. Beresford currently serves as Chair and Treasurer of the Essex County badminton Association, with past roles including League Secretary and Tournament Volunteer.
Jane Humphreys: A Lifetime of Umpiring Excellence
Jane Humphreys has been a fixture in badminton officiating as joining the Badminton Umpires Association of England in 1988.A Badminton World Federation Certificated Umpire as 2005, she has officiated at prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and the Olympics. Humphreys also dedicates her time to training the next generation of umpires as an assessor and tutor and has served on the National Committee of the Badminton Umpires association of England for 30 years, including roles as President and Secretary. She has also contributed to Badminton England disciplinary panels.
Dave Martin: Umpiring and Refereeing Leader
Dave Martin,a Badminton europe Certificated umpire as 2009,has been a member of the Badminton umpires Association of England since 1994. He has served in various roles on the National Committee, including Regional Secretary and Chair. Martin is also a regional and national assessor and a Badminton England Referee.
Christine Rickwood: building Badminton in Cambridgeshire
Christine Rickwood, alongside her late husband, established Cambridgeshire Schools Badminton and Cambridgeshire county Juniors in 1975. As Chair of Cambridgeshire badminton for many years, she organized numerous after-school clubs and annual tournaments, significantly shaping badminton in the region.
Penny Shears: Transforming junior Badminton in Bristol and Avon
For over 35 years, Penny Shears has been a driving force in junior badminton in Bristol and Avon.She has run yate Racketeers for 35 years, managed the Avon Junior League for 22 years, and established Beaufort Junior Badminton Club 14 years ago. Her efforts also include running an annual tournament for non-county players and campaigning to save a local sports center.
Alison Thompson: The Heart of Elmfield Badminton Club
Alison Thompson has been a member of Elmfield Badminton club in northumberland for 40 years, serving as Secretary since the early 1990s. Along with managing the club’s operations, Thompson has been part of the Northumberland Badminton Association Management Committee as 1993, holding the role of League Secretary and contributing to county team selection and tournament organization.
Badminton England recognizes the vital role volunteers and coaches play in the sport’s success and offers its gratitude to all nominees, runners-up, and award recipients.
Badminton England Celebrates Grassroots Heroes at national Awards
Prestigious awards honor volunteers, coaches, and clubs making a difference in badminton across England.
LONDON – Badminton England recently honored outstanding contributions to the sport at its annual awards ceremony. The event recognized the dedication and impact of volunteers, coaches, clubs, and উঠতি players who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of badminton at the grassroots level throughout England.
Celebrating unsung Heroes of Badminton
The awards highlighted the critical role played by individuals and organizations in fostering a thriving badminton community. Categories included Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year, among others.
Recognizing Dedication and Achievement
Winners were selected from a pool of nominations highlighting exceptional service, innovative programs, and significant achievements within their respective communities. The awards underscored Badminton England’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those who dedicate their time and effort to promoting the sport.
More Facts
Further details about the English Badminton Awards and Honours in Badminton can be found on the Badminton England website.
Badminton Community Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers and Coaches: Q&A
Q&A
Q: What are the key categories for the 2025 National Volunteer & Coach Awards?
A: The 2025 awards featured four categories: Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the Year, Grassroots Coach of the Year, Committee Member of the Year, and Technical Official of the Year. The latter two were new additions, expanding the scope of volunteer recognition.
Q: Who won the Geoff Rofe Young Leader of the year Award?
A: oliver Swales, who has been volunteering at his local club since he was nine years old.
Q: Who was named grassroots Coach of the Year?
A: Abu Siddique, Head Coach at Ocean Badminton Academy in South Shields, was recognized for his work providing free coaching and fostering an inclusive environment.
Q: Who won the Volunteer of the Year award?
A: Oliver Cox,who contributed 100 hours of volunteering in 2024 and earned his Foundation coaching Award.
Q: Who received the inaugural Committee Member of the Year Award?
A: Felicity Preston, Chair of the Badminton England National Youth Voice Forum, was honored for her leadership and contributions.
Q: What is the significance of the English Badminton Awards?
A: These awards recognize individuals who have shown long-standing exceptional service to badminton,especially at the grassroots level,highlighting dedication and contribution to the sport.
Q: Who was the inaugural Technical Official of the Year?
A: Amanda Balaam, the Honorary Secretary of the Badminton Umpires Association of England, was the first to receive this award.
Q: Where can I find more details about these awards and the recipients?
A: You can find more details on the badminton England website.
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