The Tyneside Badminton Centre was set up just over ten years ago by a group of four individuals, who went on to form the directors of the centre: Mike Woodward, Steve Abbott, Steve Porter and Peter McLane.
The vision was to create the home of badminton in the North East.
Being a community interest company, we wouldn’t operate without the support of all our amazing customers.
We love to celebrate the success of the centre, but we are also always working behind the scenes to improve our offering for all our customers as we know that the social element of sport is just as important as the physical.
We have been speaking to a few of our customers over the last month to gain an understanding of the various pathways of some of them.
Simon Entwistle, casual badminton player and regular Pay & Play goer, said: “The Tyneside Badminton Centre is a great place to play badminton. The staff are incredibly friendly and are always willing to help and make your time there an enjoyable experience.”
He added: “I regularly play socially with a group of friends and at the centre’s Pay & Play sessions as they are a great way to develop badminton skills in a friendly and informal setting. The centre also hosts several well organised amateur tournaments that are suitable for all levels of ability, and you never feel that you are out of place in the centre as the staff are always willing to give advice and guidance. Whatever your skills are, whether you are a beginner or a club/league player, the centre has something to offer you.”
Lesley Goodrum came through our Foundation & Improvers course and now regularly attends sessions at the centre.
Speaking on her experience at the centre, Lesley said: “I first started coming to the centre towards the end of 2022 when my other half signed me up for the Foundation coaching course to give me more confidence playing badminton with him. Before this I had only every played the sport four times. Despite my nerves, I really enjoyed the course, and instructor Robyn’s approach to our sessions was amazing. By the end of this course, I could really see a difference in my badminton skills. The more time we spent at the Centre, the more comfortable I became and the more started to enjoy myself.”
After attending the Foundation course, Lesley began attending our Pay & Play sessions to put her new skills into practice.
She added: “The first night I attended was terrifying, but over the following weeks with the support of the centre staff, who helped build my confidence through careful doubles selections, I have learned so much more. The Pay & Play sessions have also allowed me to meet some amazing new people, who I now play regularly with outside of the sessions.”
Keen to improve further, Lesley concluded: “The plan now is to consolidate what I have learned until the summer, when I will sign up to the Improvers course. I still can’t believe how much progress I have made in the six months since I first came to the centre. The combination of the excellent Foundation coaching course coupled with a supportive environment and regular practice has made this possible!”
If you are looking to get into badminton or improve your game, the next Foundation & Improvers course will be starting this April. For more information keep your eye on our website and our social media channels.
Another keen player, Rose Tetlow said: “My husband, John, and I are keen badminton players, and regularly attend the pay and play sessions on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The sessions are well organised, and friendly. While being competitive, no one takes themselves too seriously, so there is a great atmosphere. We wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”
Pay & Play sessions are bookable through our online booking system – MyCourts.
In recent months our coaching calendar has been filling up quicker than ever before.
We have been speaking to one of our regulars.
Bob Giddens, a frequent coaching customer, said: “Towards the end of the covid lockdowns, I began to be concerned about my fitness, having spent too long sitting and staring at a computer screen. I had never played badminton, but its technical qualities seemed interesting. It also appeared like an opportunity as Newcastle has its own specialised badminton centre.”
He added: “From the moment I entered the building, all the staff have been extremely welcoming. I have now had sessions with the whole coaching team, but mainly with three coaches. I am really surprised how consistent they are. Their encouragement and praise are almost embarrassing. I have started playing matches now with one of the coaches as my partner. It is great because she gives me support but also keeps me right during the game.
He finished: “I feel very lucky to be able to go to the Tyneside Badminton Centre and meet such lovely people. I intend to carry on with the present pattern of mixing coaching with playing matches.”
If you are interested in individual coaching, contact us by email.
Once again thank you all for your continued support.