Moran-Lee, Simmons Expand Youth Badminton
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda badminton players Emma Moran-Lee and Aaron Simmons are spearheading an effort to broaden access to the sport for youngsters across the island.
The pair, who have represented Bermuda internationally, run twice-weekly coaching sessions at Somersfield Academy, where Moran-Lee teaches.
Last month, they travelled with a junior national team to the Victor Ontario Junior C Tournament in Markham, where Bermuda players won across multiple age divisions in singles and doubles.
“The standard was very high – they really prioritise badminton in that province,” Moran-Lee told Bernews. “It was great for our players to be surrounded by people who take the sport seriously.
“Our players rose to the competition. They showed such grit and determination.”
She said the juniors relished the opportunity to become the first Bermuda team of their age group to compete internationally in decades. “Hopefully it’s the first of many,” she added.
Moran-Lee began coaching students at Somersfield five years ago and opened the programme to the wider community two years later. Simmons, the island’s top player, is partnering with the Department of Sports and Recreation to train schoolteachers and help build the sport at the grassroots level.
“We run the Senior Schools Badminton League, so I’ve been able to spot players and invite them to our sessions,” Moran-Lee said. “It’s great we have private school participation, but we want all schools involved and to open up opportunities for players aged six and above.
“We want to give them a chance to play the game and see if they enjoy it.”
Interest in badminton has been rising, reflected in the more than 70 players who took part in the recent second Junior Badminton National Tournament.
Moran-Lee said there are growing overseas opportunities for young athletes who excel. “We’re trying to show parents that if their child chooses our sport, we can give them international possibilities as well,” she added.
“For those who attend university in the UK, the county scene is very strong. We’re also investigating whether we can enter the Pan American Championships, which is scheduled for Jamaica next summer.”
