Auckland Badminton Association (ABA) is thrilled to announce its commitment to achieving sustained success in the upcoming 2024 season through its representative programs, solidifying its position as a leading association across competitions and tournaments.

At the heart of ABA's mission is its dedication to creating the optimal environment for players to achieve their full potential. Whether aiming for international stardom, national representation, or personal best achievements, ABA's representative program provides the pathway for all players to excel.

For the junior stars, the New Zealand Junior Team Championships (NZJTC), held in Palmerston North during the July school holidays, stands as the highest priority. All eligible players in ABA's representative programs selected to represent the association at these prestigious team championships are required to play for ABA, fostering a strong sense of unity and commitment among the junior squad members.

Important dates for the 2024 season:

• October 31, 2023: Deadline for all players interested in joining ABA in 2024 to complete the Expression of Interest form.
• October 31, 2023: Parents' Meeting from 5 pm to 6 pm at Gillies Ave or November 4, 2023: Parents' Meeting from 9 am to 10 am at Pakuranga College.
• December 1, 2023: Deadline for Senior Squad Offers to be Accepted.
• December 14, 2023: Deadline for Junior Squad Offers to be Accepted.
• January 31, 2024: Deadline for payments to qualify for the Prompt Payment Discount for all Squads, and the first payment for anyone opting for a Payment Plan.
• March 31, 2024: Deadline for all Payment Plans to be paid in full.

ABA's Junior Representative Programs offer a comprehensive training regimen, including 1 hour of footwork training each week. Squad allocation is based on ability, not age, and is reviewed every term, giving promising junior players aged 15 and older the opportunity to be promoted to the ABA Senior Representative Program based on merit.

The Te Kaha program offers open enrollment throughout the year, enabling new players to join and transition to the appropriate training squad. Additionally, all Junior Representative Players are required to participate in the Yonex Youth Super League (YYSL) on Saturdays, which plays a significant role in determining weekday training squads.

The 2024 season will also see a renowned coaching team overseeing the Junior Representative Program. Coaches Feng Li and Rhona Bramwell will collaborate closely with squad head coaches to plan and deliver sessions throughout the year, providing valuable support and guidance to both coaches and players as senior mentors. Each squad will have a dedicated Head Coach, along with qualified assistants.

The 2024 junior head coaches are:

• Taniwha: Head Coach Zeck Li
• Mako: Head Coach Elia Widjaja
• Rangitahi: Head Coach Laura Lin
• Tamariki: Head Coach Zeck Li
• Te Kaha: Head Coach Laura Lin
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The 2024 training times and venues for Junior Squads are as follows:

• Taniwha: Tuesday/Thursday - Lagoon from 5 pm to 7 pm.
• Mako: Tuesday/Thursday - Lagoon from 5 pm to 7 pm.
• Rangitahi: Monday/Wednesday - Lagoon from 5 pm to 7 pm.
• Tamariki: Monday/Wednesday - Lagoon from 5 pm to 7 pm.
• Te Kaha: Friday - Lagoon from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Auckland Badminton Association looks forward to an exciting and successful 2024 season, marked by excellence in coaching and player development. For more information, please visit our website here.

Players who want to be part of ABA Representative Programs, Junior and Seniors (excluding Masters) must complete the expression of interest form by October 31, 2023.

Article added: Tuesday 24 October 2023