U14 team lifts badminton trophy

National badminton champions

Loughborough Grammar School’s U14 badminton team claimed the title of national badminton champions at the School Sport Magazine national finals this week, which was hosted for the first time at the Loughborough Schools Foundation campus.

The team, consisting of one Year 8 pupil and three Year 9 pupils, travelled the country successfully progressing through five rounds of the tournament before reaching the semi-finals, where they secured a 4-2 victory against Reading School.

The finals, played immediately after the semi-finals, saw the team win three of their singles matches. Each player performed strongly, winning their game with a score more than four points above that of their opponents. Although they faced strong opposition from their final competitor, Wilson’s School, the Loughborough Grammar boys used precise technique and their exceptional teamwork skills to secure the national title by winning their doubles match with a score of 21-10. Finishing the day with an overall score of 4-2, the U14 team highlighted their talent for the sport.

Reflecting on the competition, Director of Sport, Jo Hackett, said: “We’re extremely proud of the U14 team who showed commitment, confidence and incredible skill at every stage of the competition. It was fantastic watching them lift the national trophy – a moment made even more memorable by the fact that the title was won on home ground at our very own sports centre.”

Under the guidance and teaching of expert coaches, the Loughborough Grammar School U14 team reaped the rewards of the hours they dedicated to training, representing the School with confidence as they took home the national trophy. The team will be representing the region at the English Schools National Finals at the end of March.

This is a tremendous achievement for our pupils. To become national champions requires not only talent but resilience, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. We are delighted to see their dedication to the sport rewarded, and particularly pleased that they were able to secure such a memorable victory while hosting the national finals here at Loughborough.

Mr James Neville, Head of Loughborough Grammar School