Badminton academy to be established

Ireland's first badminton coaching and training academy is being launched on October 3 in the Community Centre.

The Uno Badminton Academy will be directed by Claire Flood, former Irish International Player and the first Irish woman to qualify for the World Singles Championship held in the USA in 2005 as a Top 80 singles player.

Claire is a qualified coach since 2002 and will base her academy in the four-court Community Centre hall in Kilcullen with regional centres in Dublin, Wexford and in the South and West of Ireland.

The UBA aims to deliver programmes that will enhance player development and skills. It will also 'brand and market' badminton and will integrate with nutrition and sports psychology programmes.

The academy will also host team events, blitzs, tournaments, training camps and exhibitions.

UBA has already attracted Victor Sport and DataSolutions as sponsors.

The launch day will include an exhibition match with senior Irish international players, and there will be a Juvenile event. There will be 'celebrity' guests.