On Thursday, 13th March 2025, a group of 14 enthusiastic students from Year 7 to Year 11 had the fantastic opportunity to attend the world-renowned Yonex All England Badminton Championships at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham. This exciting trip allowed our students to witness world-class badminton up close, giving them an unforgettable experience and inspiring them to develop their skills in the sport.
The main aim of the trip was to provide our students with a deeper appreciation of badminton while promoting the sport within Etone College. Watching elite players compete at the highest level showcased the speed, precision, and strategy required in professional badminton. Seeing the dedication and skill of these athletes was a real eye-opener for our students and will hopefully encourage more participation in badminton at school.
We were proud to take the following students to experience this thrilling event: Ava Kirk (7D2), Oscar Kirk (8D1), Diya Patel (10P2), Oscar Knight (8D2), Layla Bidwell (10C1), Tavia Watson Kershaw (10P1), Laike Shema-Hans (10G2), Connor Starkey (9G2), Leo Starkey (10G2), Hebe Ng (10P1), Jason Chiu (10P1), Marcus Cheng (10C1), Hang Lau (10C1), Hayden Ng (9G2), and Charlie Chedgzoy (10P1).
The trip kicked off early in the morning as we made our way to Birmingham. As soon as we entered the arena, the energy was electric! From lightning-fast singles matches to intense doubles showdowns, every match had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Our students had the chance to observe the players' techniques, footwork, and tactics, gaining valuable insights into how they can improve their own game.
The event wasn’t just about watching the matches—it was about being inspired. Seeing professional athletes in action reinforced the importance of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that extend beyond sport and into everyday life.
This trip is just one of the many ways Etone College is encouraging students to engage in sports and extracurricular activities. We hope that the experience will ignite a passion for badminton and lead to greater participation in both school and local community events. Who knows? Maybe one of our own students will compete in this championship one day!
A big well done to all the students who attended and represented Etone College so well. Your enthusiasm and interest in the sport made the day even more special. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event! Let’s keep the badminton spirit alive and continue to grow the sport at Etone College!
Keep practicing, keep playing, and most importantly—keep having fun!
