The North Midway Badminton League was created in 1998/1999 by Sue Foster, of Yorkshire, when the age groups were changed from even to odd years in the junior badminton league. Sue realised that the change left many children losing out because of when their birthdays fell. She also noticed the lack of good playing opportunities for the children who were not destined to be the best players for their county, but who enjoyed playing and who would thrive in a controlled competition of players of similar ability.
Sue Foster became, and remains, the chair of the committee and she is the guiding force behind the organisation. The League was founded on the principle that badminton is primarily a sport to be enjoyed, but with the added spice of competition. The format has changed little over the years and has become one of the tournaments most enjoyed by the children who take part, especially because they will play all day, unlike most badminton competitions that they can enter. Most age groups have two events with prizes being awarded for the top county and runner-up.
All the events are run at Herringthorpe, which was chosen because it is easy to reach from the motorway network for all participators. Two events are staged for the primary age group, under 12s, under 14s, under 16s, and one for the under 18s. Each county team is usually 4x4 or may be 5x5, and will play 2 boys singles, 2 girls singles, 2 boys doubles, 2 girls doubles and 2 mixed against each county they are drawn against. In 2005 for the first time a new event has been added to the calendar, an under 16 doubles. This is envisaged to be a friendly event and not county orientated.
The North Midway Badminton League is an event for the children to enjoy playing, but also for the parents and the team managers to enjoy participating in as well.
14th February 2005
Alison Harrison
Secretary