ulster badminton club development plan 2013-2017

Ryan Prentice

Club and Coaching Officer

Ulster Badminton Club Development Plan 2013-

2017

Ulster Badminton | Club Development Plan 2013-2017

Introduction.

The Olympic sport of Badminton is one of the UK’s top six participant sports, with a well

established network of clubs, coaches and volunteers. It is one of the most inclusive sports,

appealing equally to both sexes, as well as a wide range of minority groups.

Badminton is popular because of its accessibility and due to it being a lifelong activity.

Facilities are widely available, the sport is relatively cheap compared to other racket sports

and only two people are required to enjoy a game. The sport is simple to introduce to

beginners and there are no significant health or safety issues. As an indoor sport it is an

attractive activity to be played throughout the year, and is a non contact sport that uses

light equipment.

The popularity of the game is a strength on which we can build, but unstructured

participation presents both a challenge and opportunity to us. Many people who wish to

play more seriously, or realise their full potential even at a modest competitive level, may

be unaware of the opportunities and consequently we have a desire to strengthen the entry

points into, and the pathways through, badminton in Ulster.


Role of the Clubs.

Clubs are vital for the sustainability and development of any sport. At present there are 79

clubs affiliated with Ulster Badminton through Badminton Ireland.

Our clubs play a vitally important role in developing badminton across Ulster. It is the clubs

that can directly impact of their local community and provide an avenue for participation

and enjoyment for players of all ages and abilities. The club environment for many children

is where they are first introduced to the sport and where a love and passion for the sport is

developed. As well as providing an outlet for participation and enjoyment, our clubs also

have a huge responsibility for providing age appropriate activities and correct coaching to


all children and young players to ensure they are set off on the correct path to allow them

to reach their maximum potential, whatever level that may be.

As a Governing Body we have a responsibility to work with all affiliated clubs and support

them in providing the best standard of service for all members regardless of age or ability.

Quality clubs that provide enjoyment, positive experiences, appropriate competition and

challenges, appropriate coaching and are run by dedicated volunteers are critical if clubs are

to survive and develop and individuals are to realise their full potential.

Through many initiatives, including Ulster Badminton’s Clubmark NI Scheme and Coach

Development and Education courses, we hope to support clubs and their volunteers both on

and off the court over the next 4 years to make a positive impact on the badminton

experience of all members.

Leagues.

Currently we have 8 Club based leagues across the province. The biggest of these is the

Ulster League which is made of 7 divisions. All matches take place at the National

Badminton Centre in Lisburn and the league contains international players, top junior

players and club players of all standards. The league also attracts top players from the

Republic of Ireland due to the standard of competition. There are also a number of regional

leagues that provide great competitive opportunities for junior and adult players across

Ulster. All leagues have different divisions to ensure clubs can enter their players into an

environment that is suitable to their standard so to help ensure all players can enjoy their

experiences.

A list of Ulster based leagues is below:

Ulster League

Ballinderry League

Church of Ireland League

North Down League

Coleraine and District League

Down Junior League

East Antrim League

North West League


Volunteers.

Volunteers play a vitally important role in Badminton across many different areas. Whether

it is sitting on committees, organising and running competitions, administrating leagues or

running / helping one of our many clubs on a weekly basis the sport simply could not survive

without this work and these individuals. The most obvious volunteer on a weekly basis is the

person or people that run the clubs, whether this is a chairperson, treasurer or coach. These

people ensure that clubs continue to run and provide playing opportunities for its members

and the local communities.

Ulster Badminton as a Governing body currently offers limited training opportunities for

volunteers. At present we organise annual Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport,

Child Protection Designated Officer and First Aid courses. In addition to this Ulster

Badminton’s Club and Coaching Officer also regularly updates clubs and coaches of

beneficial courses being organised by other organisations, such as local authorities.


Current Position.

In September 2012 Ulster Badminton began a process of self evaluation and benchmarking

to establish where the organisation currently sat in regard to the following different systems

across the association:

Club Development

Talent

Coaching

High Performance

Governance

This Sport Northern Ireland process was to help the Governing Body with strategic planning

for the funding period, known as Performance Focus. This system saw each Governing Body

system ranked against a number of different areas on a 5 stage marking process. This

process is outlined below:

1. Not yet Established – Best practice has yet to be established

2. Emerging – Best practice has partially been produced

3. Established – Best practice has been partially produced and partially applied

4. Embedded – Best practice has been fully applied and managed

5. Excellence – Best practice has been fully applied and is world leading.

The diagram below shows Ulster Badminton’s Club Development System position as of the

self evaluation in 2012 and the target for 2017.

Planning Comms & Affiliation

Develop Ment needs info

Support Services

Education Opps

Clubmark Scheme

Reward & Profile

Overall System Rating

2012 Emerging Established Emerging Established Established Established Established Established

2017 Embedded Embedded Embedded Established Embedded Embedded Established Established


From the self evaluation we were able to recognise a number of strong areas within Ulster

Badminton and also a number of weaker areas. A selection of these areas is included in the

table below. It is important to point out that all the areas within the Club system will need

to improve over the 4 year period as even the areas that are to remain ‘Established’ must

increase their individual score to maintain the rating.

Stronger Areas. Weaker Areas.

Full time Officer with a Club Development remit

No formal Club Development Plan

Strong and effective means of communication

Limited knowledge of development position of local clubs

Comprehensive club database No process currently in place to obtain information relating to development needs on a regular basis

Outreach work with School and local authorities / communities

Limited work on volunteer management and development

Strong safeguarding and vetting information, guidance and provision

Currently no development opportunities for club volunteers in ‘non – coaching’ roles

Support for new clubs starting up Currently no club and GB communication strategy


Clubs and Long Term Player Development.

We want and need our clubs to play an important role in the long term development of

future International and medal winning Ulster badminton players. Our playing pathway

clearly shows that clubs play an important role in developing young players with a passion

for the sport. Club coaches have a huge responsibility of ensuring young players are exposed

to age appropriate practices and that games are challenging but suitable to their level so the

players are always improving and are given the best chance of reaching their maximum

potential.

Ulster Badminton’s goal on a performance level ‘is to create an environment that gives

players the best possible chance to move onto either:

The GB World Class Performance Programme, based in Milton Keynes

The Ireland High Performance Programme, based in Dublin.’

This is the goal of the Ulster Performance Stream which is embedded within the Playing

Pathway. The Performance Stream is defined as:

“the player development pathway recommended for Ulster players who aspire to win

medals at World, Olympic, European and Commonwealth level”

This Player Development Pathway starts when young players are first introduced to the

sport, whether that’s in a school or a club setting, and it is only through a quality club

environment that a player will reach the standard required to make it onto one of the

programmes within the performance stream.

Ulster Badminton believes in the work of the clubs and therefore part of the entry criteria

into the performance stream is that players are active members of a club. The club has to be

the players ‘home’ and should remain a constant for them no matter what programme they

are involved in. As well as being part of the entry route in the performance stream, clubs

also act as ‘catch net’ for any player leaving the performance stream and help to ensure

they are retained in the sport.


Below is Ulster Badminton’s Player Pathway Model:

1. Primary schools

2. Secondary schools

3. Junior Clubs

4. Adult clubs

5. Raw Performance Training

6. Emerging Performance Training

7. High Performance Training

8. Ireland/GB training


2013 – 2017 Club Development Plan.

The purpose of this new 4 year development plan is for Ulster Badminton to plan and set

out how it will support Ulster based affiliated clubs in their progression over this period. The

plan will look at many off court issues such as Club management, facilities, Safeguarding and

Child Protection, as well as focusing on volunteer and coach development to help with on

court activities. As well as supporting existing clubs these resources will also be available for

new clubs just starting out as we continually look to increase the numbers involved in the

sport.

The plan is about making a difference to badminton clubs regardless of their size. It is about

recognising that clubs have the most important role in badminton in the province and how

we can work together to get more people into the game and offer a quality experience for

players of all ages and abilities.

Over this 4 year period, 2013-2017, we have a simple vision to:

Increase entry routes into the sport and into Clubs

Create high quality fit for purpose badminton clubs

Increase the recruitment, education and development of coaches and volunteers

We see this being achieved by:

Clubs contributing to the future of badminton locally

Understanding the development needs of our clubs

Identifying and supporting the training needs of coaches and volunteers

Regular club ‘self – assessments’

Greater contact between clubs and Ulster Badminton.

Following on from the 2012 London Olympics the duration of this plan will take in the 2014

Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This major sporting event will again capture much

interest in all sport including badminton and is a great opportunity to promote the sport and

our clubs. Key sporting events like those mentioned provide clubs and the Governing Body

with the platform to work together to grow the sport across the province.


Our Mission.

Over this 4 year period, 2013-2017, we have a simple mission to:

Increase entry routes into the sport and into Clubs



This being achieved through close links with our clubs and their involvement in many of our

programmes, including:

Clubmark NI Scheme

Club Leaders

Coach Legacy Programme

Teicnic Badminton

Shuttle Time

Outreach work with organisations and local authorities


Achieving our Mission:

Increase entry routes into the sport and into clubs for players and volunteers.

Active Communities – to support the Sport NI Active Communities programmes, working with AC coaches, both racquet sport and multi sport coaches, to help create the maximum number of participant opportunities possible. Ulster Badminton will also work with these coaches to create links with their programmes and local clubs to help ensure all programmes lead to something more sustainable.

Local Authorities – Ulster Badminton will support all ‘Try It’ events / one off or short term sporting events to raise awareness of the sport and the local clubs and how players can get involved. Ulster Badminton will also work with LA’s to provide qualified coaches from local clubs to help facilitate holiday coaching programmes and fun weeks. Ulster Badminton over the 2013-17 period, will introduce pay as you play schemes across local authority leisure facilities that will be supported by local clubs with the aim of attracting new and former players to the sport without the financial barrier of membership fees.

Holiday Programmes – As an organisation in conjunction with schools and local clubs we will organise holiday programmes for children and young people to introduce them to the sport and to promote local clubs.

Ulster Schools Badminton Association (USBA) – we will continue to support and offer advice to the USBA programmes and teachers. We will also work to increase the number of member schools in the association and also look to ensure all these schools are linked with a local club.

Primary Schools – Ulster Badminton recognise that getting children involved in the sport at a young age is vital if we are to attract new players into the sport. We will therefore look to work with Primary Schools across Ulster to development badminton programmes (fun days / festivals etc) in local areas where schools can come together and children can enjoy the sport in a relaxed setting. Ulster Badminton will ensure local club involvement in all programmes so a pathway is created for each child.

University Outreach Programmes – we will work with local universities to support their sport outreach programmes that deliver badminton coaching to primary and post primary schools across the province.

Sports Leaders – Over the period, 2013-17, we want to work with Sport NI and post primary schools across Northern Ireland on the Sport Leaders programme to create a group of new young leaders that can work within local schools, clubs , and local areas to develop the sport.



During the 2013-17 period Ulster Badminton would like to introduce and develop the following programmes and areas within our affiliated clubs.

Clubmark NI Scheme – this scheme is about helping clubs to develop and by working towards accreditation, will assist clubs to adopt and implement effective policies and procedures and to deliver relevant and appropriate opportunities for participation and development in a safe environment. The scheme will also ensure accredited clubs will comply with minimum operating standards.

Teicnic – this Badminton Ireland skills based programme focuses on the technical progression of players, particularly those in a junior club environment. The programme consists of 7 levels and each level provides clubs with a well structured, easy to follow, progressive programme that club coaches and volunteers can deliver to their players. Ulster Badminton will work with clubs across the province to deliver free training courses to help develop a consistent approach to player development across province.

Shuttle Time – Ulster Badminton will work with all affiliated junior clubs to ensure that were appropriate, the club has a minimum of one coach qualified to Shuttle Time level.

Annual Updates – through communication with club volunteers and coaches we need to develop simple mechanisms where Ulster Badminton can attain annual development updates on the current position of clubs.

Support and Guidance – to provide clubs with support and guidance on all aspects of club development, including sourcing and applying for funding and also to encourage them towards our Clubmark NI scheme.

Understanding of Performance Pathway – with our Player Pathway now established and our Performance Stream now growing across Ulster, we now must ensure there is a clear understanding of each stage of the programme by all clubs. As previously mentioned our clubs are key to ensuring players start off on the correct path and as our programme develops, we will further rely on club volunteers and coaches to complete player reviews on players with the potential to be on one of these programmes. It is therefore important that clubs understand this process and what as a Governing Body we are looking for.

Recognition – to work with our affiliated clubs to ensure that they are getting suitable recognition for the work they are doing. Whether this is at Badminton Ireland, Sport NI or local authority level.



Coaching Network – to develop a network of coaches from across the province of all levels and experiences to help when reviewing and proposing future coaching objectives. The network will also give Ulster Badminton a group of people on the ground helping to promote workshops and courses to attract new coaches into the sport.

Club Coach CPD Opportunities – Identify areas of continuous professional development for all coaches involved in the pathway from schools and clubs up to performance. To deliver regular workshops regionally around the country catering for the needs of the coaching population. When identifying the training needs for CPD the Coaching Network will be used.

Coach Education – to work with Badminton Ireland and Sport NI to deliver an annual programme of Coach Education. This will include sport specific badminton coaching awards and qualifications and generic workshops such as Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport and Designated Safeguarding Children’s Officer.

Coaching Database – to develop and maintain a database of all active coaches in Ulster.

Club Coach Co-ordinators – to introduce Club Coach Co-ordinators into our affiliated junior badminton clubs.

Teicnic Programme – to use the Teicnic programme to train and develop coaches of all levels to deliver a well structured, progressive and age appropriate coaching programme to young players in a club environment.

Coach Recognition – to work with Sport NI and Badminton Ireland to ensure all coaches are recognised for the work they are doing in their clubs and throughout the province.

Club Leaders – during the 2013-17 period Ulster Badminton will work closely with Sport NI to support the Club Leaders programme by encouraging clubs to participate in the training. The programme aims to develop those club volunteers that deal with areas off court. Club Leaders offers workshops in the following subjects:

Understanding your Club Finances

Paye and Employment Status

Developing a Business Plan

Organisation Structures

Cash Flow and Budgeting

Marketing Strategies

Financial Policies and Procedures


http://www.sportni.net/PerformanceSport/clubdevelopment/Club+Leaders+NI.htm


Club Communication Sub Plan To enable us as an organisation to improve and be successful in our mission we must improve how we communicate with our affiliated clubs, their coaches and their members. This communication needs to be two way with all parties having a clear understanding of what we as an organisation are trying to achieve and how they can assist us. As an organisation we need to be approachable and our members should feel comfortable when getting in contact with us.

Website – to have a Club Development section on the website that is visible and is regularly updated with relevant club information. The site will also contain photographs, contact information and job descriptions of Ulster Badminton staff so clubs know who they can contact.

Club Resources – to have relevant resources on the Ulster Badminton website for clubs to utilise including all resources and templates needed for the Clubmark NI process.

Club Development Plan – to publish Ulster Badminton’s Club Development Plan on the website.

Development Services – to use the website and other means of communication to ensure all clubs are aware of the services that are available through Ulster Badminton and the support we can offer.

Email – to distribute a monthly mail shot to all affiliated clubs detailing upcoming courses and workshops and also including information on activities of other clubs.

Regional Workshops – to hold regional workshops on an annual basis that includes practical demonstrations for club coaches and an open forum for discussion on club development matters.

Twitter – to engage with all clubs and members who have access to a Twitter account. Over the next 4 years we will look to maximise this form of social media as a tool to promote the organisation and the work we are carrying out.


Ulster Badminton Club Development Plan April 2013 – March 2014

Year 1: CLUB DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2013 – 14)

Club Development Action Target Timescale Responsibility

Annual Club Audit

Response from 50% of clubs

January 2014 CCDO

Club Development Plan Completed and on Ulster Badminton website

March 2014 CCDO

Clubmark Accreditation Scheme

3 Clubs Accredited 3 Clubs working towards accreditation

March 2014 CCDO

Workshops

2 x Club Coach Development 1 x First Aid 1 x Safeguarding 1 x Designated Officer

March 2014 CCDO

Year 2: CLUB DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2014-15)


Annual Club Audit


December 2014 CCDO

Club Accreditation Scheme

5 Clubs Accredited 3 Clubs working towards accreditation

March 2015 CCDO

Workshops (Development workshops to include discussion forums)

3 x Club Coach Development 1 x First Aid 1 x Safeguarding 1 x Designated Officer 1 x Club Leaders

March 2015 CCDO

Club Communication Develop and update Club Development Section of the website. Update Club Contact Information

Develop – Sept 2014 Update – ongoing September 2014

CCDO CCDO


Monthly mail shots via email to all Club contacts

September 2014

CCDO

Development Continue to promote School – Club Links Continue to assist with new and existing club developments Work with LA’s with participation schemes and holiday programmes to promote local clubs and attract new participants into the sport.

March 2015 March 2015 March 2015

CCDO CCDO CCDO



Annual Club Audit


December 2015 CCDO


8 Clubs Accredited 5 Clubs working towards accreditation Assist Clubs with re-accreditation

March 2016 CCDO



March 2016 CCDO



CCDO CCDO

Development Continue to promote School – Club Links

March 2016

CCDO


Continue to assist with new and existing club developments Work with LA’s with participation schemes and holiday programmes to promote local clubs and attract new participants into the sport.

March 2016 March 2016

CCDO CCDO



Annual Club Audit


December 2016 CCDO


12 Clubs Accredited 6 Clubs working towards accreditation Assist Clubs with re-accreditation

March 2017 CCDO



March 2017 CCDO



CCDO CCDO

Development Continue to promote School – Club Links Continue to assist with new and existing club developments Work with LA’s with participation schemes and

March 2017 March 2017 March 2017

CCDO CCDO CCDO


holiday programmes to promote local clubs and attract new participants into the sport.

ulster badminton club development plan 2013-2017

Documents