My Experience at the Badminton NZ Junior Team Championships

Recently, I took part in the Badminton NZ Junior Team Championships held in Palmerston North. I was representing Auckland Badminton Association. With around 650 players, over 15 associations/clubs and more than 80 teams across the four age groups, it is New Zealand’s largest junior tournament that occurs annually. I played in the U17 Division 2 category in my team – Auckland Mako 3. We had eight players (four boys and four girls). In my category there were two groups; in each group there were six teams, and everyone played each other. Depending on the number of teams you won against, it would determine your teams ranking in the group, and that would lead to the playoffs, which were split into 1st-4th, 5th-8th and 9th-12th and dictate your overall placing in the category. It was a four-day tournament where we played two teams each day (one in the morning, and afternoon). By the end we were all sore and tired.

Each game would start with the lineup, where each team introduces themselves and shake hands with all the opposing players. Then it was straight into the matches. There were two boys’ doubles, two girls’ doubles, four boys’ singles, four girls’ singles and four mixed doubles. Each of the teams had individual coaches that managed as well as coached us between our matches; giving us their full support and guidance, which was very beneficial.

This trip started on a Saturday; two buses took approximately 60 Auckland players to Palmerston North, over an eight-hour drive straight to the Central Energy Trusts Arena where the tournament was held. We went there for a training session which was the day before the event started. The venue was a massive place with three different arenas all booked out for this prestigious competition. It was 50 courts altogether!

After the training session we made our way to the Massey Sport & Rugby Institute Accommodation, where we were going to stay for the next six days. The accommodation was very large and modern, and having the whole place to ourselves meant that we had access to all the amazing facilities such as the dining room, common room, fields, gym and even an indoor football field. Breakfasts and dinners were catered with delicious fresh food and takeaway lunches were all provided to eat between our games.

Team Spirt was a big part of what made a team thrive and something that ABA (Auckland Badminton Association) really valued. Whether that was cheering our lungs out for the players playing on court, always supporting and encouraging the players in our team or even wearing ABA coloured ribbons on our hands or hair! We were also really fortunate to be in a club that had an extensive and recognisable uniform as we had our own branded socks, shorts, hoodie, jacket, trackpants and three different shirts that we changed between.

Every night we would have team meetings and reflect on the day; what went well and what didn’t, as well as plan our matches for the next day if there needed to be any changes made. Throughout the days, I also developed a stronger friendship with many of the players, not only in my team. It made some nights very memorable and became close friends to people that I had never even talked to before. This tournament was a great way to meet new people.

On the last day, after playing 7 different teams, we had the Badminton New Zealand prizegiving, where all the 650 players took up a whole row of courts sitting in their respective teams as well as parents on the side. They announced the placings for all the teams across the four age groups and teams with

placings were given medals and certificates. Auckland achieved some great results with our U19 Division 1 Team coming 3rd, our U17 Division 1 team coming 2nd and many more.

After that, we returned to our accommodation, ABA had a small prizegiving for the teams and each player got a certificate and vouchers as well as special awards for some people. They then ended the night with a disco which was a great way to celebrate our efforts and achievements. The next day, we left early in the morning for a long drive back to Auckland.

Although my team didn’t achieve the best results, coming 10th in U17 Division 2, we all performed at our peak and put 100% of our effort into every match. Learning so much Badminton through this tournament and becoming better players gave us great exposure. I hope to come back to Palmy over the next couple of years to relive the fun, competitiveness, and the rewarding experience. And a huge thanks to Auckland Badminton Association for providing this valuable opportunity.

By Akarsh Shanker, Year 10

ACG Sunderland Newsletter - Term 3 Week 4 2024 

Article added: Tuesday 27 August 2024