Club members Mary Bear, Lea Woutersen, Graeme Shaw, Pearl Martin and Tina Skinner play protected from the rain during their regular Tuesday morning meet.
Members of the Cambridge Badminton Club are hoping to see more locals join the club, particularly junior-age players with former NZ representative Reon McFarlane coaching the club’s under-16 players this term.
But it’s not just junior players, people of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to get involved. Tina Skinner, the former juniors coach and a member of 15 years, said the club had been “so friendly and welcoming” when she joined. “It doesn’t matter what experience you’ve got when you walk through the door,” said Tina. “I had young children when I started, and I found that a lot of sports weren’t suitable to be able to take them, whereas here (inside the clubroom next to the court)… they’ve got a toy box and they’re quite safe in here… that was a huge for me. And it’s one of the sports that you can just pick up and anyone can play, no matter what your age is.”
“We never turn anyone away… the only things they need are non-marking sports shoes,” said Pearl Martin, the club’s treasurer and stalwart member of 38 years.
“I really enjoy it,” added club president Graeme Shaw. “It’s out of the weather, so you can play any day. It’s got a very good social side to it and it’s great exercise.”
The club’s oldest member is 87, playing along with the Golden Oldies 50+ group on Thursdays, $4 each time with no membership required. The full details of when the club meets each week is detailed in the ‘Regular Events’ section of Cambridge News.
Badminton Club president Graeme Shaw in action.
