BADMINTON in Keighley is burgeoning.

And more juniors and beginners are being given the chance to try it.

Sessions, including free tasters, are on offer.

Two juniors with the Keighley Kobras club could play a part in helping to shape the future of badminton nationally.

Ashton Nelson and Luca Holden have both secured places with the prestigious Badminton England Young Leaders Academy.

They were amongst just 100 juniors from across the country to be selected.

The initiative aims to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge to support the delivery of badminton in their clubs and communities.

"To be selected is a fantastic achievement for both boys and could lead to opportunities to volunteer with Badminton England and join the National Youth Forum and help structure the future of badminton," says Kobras coach, Tim Shipman.

"They may also get to visit the national badminton centre and help out at national and international events, like the Yonex All England that takes place every March. And it is a great addition to their CVs!"

The pair are also booked onto a Foundation Award coaching course on Tyneside next month.

On successful completion of the course, they will be able to lead games, activities and tournaments; support a coach in the delivery of a session; deliver Badminton England programmes, and help with the development of sessions.

They have already started to help Tim and fellow coach Jamie Robinson at Thursday-night classes.

"Alongside this success both are now active members in the Keighley Phoenix badminton club with Oscar Haigh," Tim adds.

"They also recently entered the Craven adult handicapped tournament and missed out on the semi-finals by just four points.

"We are extremely proud of their achievements."

New under-13 members and beginners are welcome.

Sessions take place in the sports hall at Holy Family School, Spring Gardens Lane, on Thursdays, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

There is a free taster.

"This is a great opportunity for your children or grandchildren to receive quality badminton coaching delivered by a Badminton England registered and endorsed Level 2 coach," says Tim.

The sessions are amongst a range that takes place in Keighley for players of all ages and abilities.

"I can be coaching as many as 80 juniors and over 30 adults per week," Tim adds.

For further information about the sessions, email keighleykobracoach@gmail.com or call 07917 881305.

More about Keighley Kobras can be found at facebook.com/groups/623169372049088