Aylesbury Phoenix Badminton Club
Phoenix began its life from coaching classes held at the Guttmann Sports Centre in Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury in the early 90’s, it was founded by Sue Rutson. When the stadium closed for refurbishment we took on the challenge of keeping the junior coaching viable and booked the Grange school for this. At this point the name was changed to PHOENIX Badminton Club. We were running sessions for different ages and abilities and as we expanded we set up premier squads to meet the players’ needs in order to develop their full potential.
The adult and junior club – although called the same name and containing juniors playing in the adult Phoenix and having a common link of coaches and other committee members was run as a separate entity and it was only last year that we fully amalgamated as one club called ‘Aylesbury Phoenix Badminton Club’, we also took the decision to drop the charity status.
Phoenix is constantly changing, expanding trying new ideas. Its values are holistic in the approach to the player. Each member is encouraged to discover their strengths whether this be in playing ability, organising, citizenship, fair play etc. Each junior player is expected to commit 100% effort to all training and playing opportunities.
Junior players are given opportunities to practice technique, movement, and tactics. Close attention is paid to attitudes, training, peers, volunteers, coaches, to themselves and their expectations to matches and competition etc. Players are helped to build their awareness of psychology, and how this applies to badminton. All these ‘soft’ skills transfer across into daily living as individuals grow in confidence, self esteem and self awareness.
As the years have passed it has been my privilege to witness many of our junior players forming long lasting friendships – as they move away to Uni or work – very often they return to play again in our ‘Phoenix environment’ I have seen shy withdrawn children develop into players of great standing – often able to help with developing others. Laughter, caring, nurturing, often challenging are the undercurrents of our club.
The club is an ‘inclusive club’ and prides itself on helping other groups in the community. Junior players are awarded and recognised for a variety of talents, from playing and winning to attitude, effort, fair play, movement skills, captains are rewarded for all their hard work.
With two evening sessions for adults now firmly established over the last few years; the club is a well seasoned family. The evening sessions are run extremely effectively by Lynn Payne who ensures that every one who enters the domain of Phoenix is welcomed warmly. The sessions are open to ANYONE and ANY level. These evenings are social, informal and great fun. Everyone is given the opportunity to enjoy badminton at their own level, fair-play, and helpfulness go hand in hand.
The success of our club is due to each and every member, whether they play for a team, are casual players or beginners.
I am very proud to be a part of this club,
Derek Moule Chairperson Aylesbury Phoenix Badminton Club
