Master class a Smashing Success
Thornaby Pavilion played host to a badminton master class given by top badminton coach Peter Higman. Peter is one of the top five coaches in England and is qualified as a senior coach for Badminton England. He has coached the England under 18 team and is currently coaching two members of the England under 13 team. As a player Peter was world ranked, and as a veteran he has won two gold medals at the world championships and a host of European and national titles.
The event which was organised by Tees Active Sports Academy and Thornaby Pavilion Badminton Club involved a dozen talented youngsters from the club including Academy members Lorraine Smith and Katy Boyes being put through their paces for 3 hours whilst observed by coaches from the Pavilion Badminton Club.
The 3 hour master class included an extensive dynamic warm up, movement patterns, technical and stroke play and concluded with some gruelling 1 minute singles matches followed by a cool down.
Sheila Boyes, Badminton Development Officer for Badminton England said “The master class was a 
really successful afternoon and all the players and coaches involved were delighted to have someone of Peter’s calibre to observe and work with. We hope that our successful partnership with Tees Active Sports Academy will see more of this type of event”
Allan McDermott, Tees Active Sports Academy Manager said “The Academy is determined not only to support and develop athletes but to work with clubs and National Governing Bodies to help coaches and officials.”
If you are interested in playing badminton,Thornaby Pavilion hold lessons on Wednesdays 5-6pm for juniors 8 years and over. Contact Thornaby Pavilion on (01642) 760971.
Photographs:
Back Row (L-R) Dan Puttick, Mary Boyes, Sheila Boyes, Katy Boyes, Peter Higman, Wayne Vaughan, Andrew McCullogh, Tom Hopkins, James Gharrie, Chris Wilson
Front Row (L- R) Tom Puttick, Alex Krsten, Rebekah Puttick, Lorraine Smith, Adam Pickard
Action shot Peter Higman with Katy Boyes