Ideas to help you choose a badminton university
It can be a complex and frustrating process
I know from experience
The progress of your future education and badminton will depend on your
choice and the factors you use in making that choice
When you choose a badminton university, you want to make a correct decision as you will be there for at least the next 3 years. The progress of your future education and badminton will depend on your choice and the factors you use in making that choice.
It’s worth spending some time researching and learning from those who have done it before or are actively involved in university badminton.
Universities have different approaches to badminton. Some are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence with their badminton programmes. They have full-time coaches, plenty of dedicated court time, lots of motivated players, etc.
Others try to get close to this but have part-time coaches and less court time or offer training away from the university.
Listen to the Martyn Lewis
Martyn Lewis is the head of badmonton at University of Nottingham UK.
He talks about the badminton structure in Nottingham, their Worldwide links to China and Malaysia, plus the fact that they have been voted the best UK university for sport.
It’s the most comprehensive talk I’ve listened to about badminton life in a UK University.
Training set up / Players / League position
Leagues
If you need an indication of which are the best Badminton Universities ranked by team results visit the BUCS website.
Check the league positions of the top divisions north and south plus the eventual winners . The leagues are played on Wednesday afternoons and are split into Woman’s and Men’s leagues.
The format is currently 2 singles and 2 doubles with every player playing twice.
Tournaments
The British University Championships results can be found here.
This is an amazing tournament spread over several days with over a 100 entries in some events. If you think that your standard is high, then make it your aim to get to the last 16.
To reach the semi’s and finals you will have to be something special.
Many of the entrants are Junior International players and the winners are often highly ranked in their own countries.
Tournaments
It’s very difficult for me to tell you which University has the best training set up, the best players, the best facilities or the best coaches.
All 4 factors can vary from season to season.
Certainly, the quality of players can change very quickly, especially if Universities go on ‘recruitment’ drives. They tend not to change their coaches or Badminton Directors.
Most of the top 3 Universities have had the same Head Coach / Badminton Director for over 5 years or even longer.
This is why you need to read the rest of this post. It will help you gather the information that you need before making that final choice.
If you aren’t sure about the coaching set up at a University, it is always worth looking to contact the team directly, either via a social media account or by asking players at tournaments. The current students are best positioned to outline the training set up they currently have and the opportunities for new players.
Will they want you ?
Are you grades and badminton standard good enough
If you are considering making Badminton one of the factors when choosing your University, I’m presuming that you think you are of a good standard on court.
You also need to be realistic about your education grades, will they be good enough to find a place at University?
Unless you are an exceptional player, you will need to achieve the required academic grades. Ensure that you work hard at school or college and are realistic about the course you want to do.
Once you have established which Universities provide your chosen course and you know that your anticipated grades are likely to get you an offer, then it’s time to think about Badminton.
The standard of University badminton teams in the Uk varies considerably.
The top Universities have players who have represented their Country at junior and senior level. Some have overseas players of a very high quality.
There are probably 3 or 4 Universities that have full-time Head Coaches. Others often have visiting coaches paid for either by the badminton society or the individual players on a session-by-session basis.
Your task is to decide if you wish to to find a University that combines both Study and Badminton equally. You may find that your preferred Badminton University does not provide the course you want. Be aware that the choices can be complex.
From my experience, lots of what could be described as weaker University Teams have individuals within them who could get into the top Uni Squads.
Many high-level juniors choose a course first then try to get the best badminton they can. Remember it’s not all about badminton.
Fulltime coach
The number of coaches varies - does that matter to you?
I recommend that you contact them before you create a shortlist.
It’s very important to establish communication as they will have plenty of advice to offer you. Remember its their job to recruit players.
Be aware that just because they are employed to look after the University Badminton they may not offer individual coaching and personal attention to help you improve.
They will hopefully have support coaches who can provide individual attention may be limited. There is much going on behind the scenes, organising and managing lots of teams, training sessions as well as the University administration duties.
You may be surprised that you will not always receive the same attention as you did with your home squad. Training sessions are often structured around Team selections. So make sure that you attend the trials and impress!
Often, players are expected to coach and feed each other
as the coach may not be able to attend all sessions
Scholarship and support
If you playing level is high enough you may qualify for support
This can take many forms and could be different in each university.
Some universities offer a range of financial support packages.
Others will offer free or reduced gym membership and medical support.
All these will help you, so accept whatever they offer.
Grades
If the University thinks that you will be an asset to them they may reduce the grades you need to be accepted onto your chosen course.
Please don’t forget that you need to get these grades, so work hard on and off court in preparation.
No matter how good your badminton you will have to pass some exams to get in.
The reduction in grades will depend on some or all of these factors
- Your chosen university course. Some courses will not reduce the entry requirements no matter who you are.
- Your anticipated Grades, projected by your college or school
- Your current Badminton level. Have you played for your National Junior and Senior Teams?
- The Head Coaches assessment of you and your ability.
- Which other players are also applying that year
Some courses will be prepared to lower their requirements, others will not. Remember this may vary in different Universities. That’s why you should apply to more than one.
Your value to the University
This can be difficult to determine but will certainly include an assessment of your badminton playing level.
It may also depend on how good the current Team/squad is. Be aware that if the University doesn’t place a high emphasise of sporting achievement, then you may not be offered any reduction, no matter how good you are on court.
The information available to the university and the Badminton Director
Again this sounds simple, but if they don’t know you, how can they help you.
Prepare your Badminton CV in advance. Do this at the same time you prepare your Personal Statement during the application process. I would advise that you start a Badminton CV well before you are thinking about University.
Once you are proud of an achievements record it. The opportunities to use your Badminton CV are varied.
Do some research before going. Contact the University Badminton or Sports Director and start an email conversation. Browse their website (see conatcts above) and search for details about their support programmes.
Be prepared for them to contact your Governing Body and ask for a reference.
There is no certainty of support.
Don’t expect and then you won’t be disappointed.
Visit your choices
Do these as a minimum
.. Make prior contact with the Badminton Director / Head Coach (if they have one)
.. Find out when the Open Days are
.. Prepare a checklist and list of questions in advance
.. Talk to existing Team members during the day
.. Look at the distances between the sports facilities and the different types of accommodation
.. Enjoy the day!
Ask these questions
.. How many Teams do you have ?
.. What would I weekly programme look like for me ?
.. Do I have to pay extra for the gym, physio, shuttles?
.. Do you think I am a good fit for your squad ?
.. Do you have overseas trips ?
.. Where do people live after the 1st year ?
Camps
Some Universities may run mini camps of 2 or 3 days to enable players to try out Uni life.
They will invite players during the year before you start.
Ask about these camps when you contact the University coach.
It’s a fantastic way to experience the training, the hall and the coach.
It’s not all about Badminton
It could be a very tough decision for you to make
I have experienced this when my son was choosing a shortlist of Universities and trying to balance potential courses with badminton.
If you want to read about his thoughts on The Importance of Sport at University, click here and read his blog.
My advice is to take your time and consider all the factors.
Be prepared to change your mind during the process. Selecting your preferred University and course is only the start of the journey.
Martyn Lewis discusses life at a badminton university
The 3 S’s – study, social and sports
Final thought
Unless you are going to earn enough money from badminton to fund yourself until you are 30 years old you need to get an education.
Can you do get an education and enjoy your badminton…
YES OF COURSE!
Send me a question
I’m always grateful if you have read this far.
If there is anything that you have read that has helped or that you disagree with, then please send me an email.
I promise to read all your comments
It would be great to hear from you contact@badmintonandy.com
