Innisfail school badminton courts are filled to capacity with the beginning of badminton season in Alberta schools.
The gymnasium at Innisfail Middle School is no exception.
“We have 16 players on our team and a few alternates in case some players cannot make the tournaments,” said Lisa Weiss, coach of the school's Grade 8 badminton team. “For every event we will participate in there will be two teams, or individuals in the case of singles matches. We will compete in boys, girls and mixed doubles, and boys and girls singles events.”
She added badminton at any level she coaches at is a popular sport, which in the case of the Grade 8 team, attracted 27 players to pick up their racquets and take to the courts.
“It doesn't seem to matter if someone is on the team or not, badminton is a game anyone can play,” said assistant coach Dave Dale. “We have kids that play at recess, lunchtime, after school, and sometimes in other classes if their teachers allow it as a reward.”
He noted that badminton players are not your “regular” athletes and they may not be into hockey or basketball, they just like to hit the birdie around and it usually does not involve contact, but it can.
“It is still possible to blow a knee out or sprain an ankle,” said Dale. “But this is definitely a no to low contact game, unless you're the birdie.”
Dale noted that 14-year-old Jaren Ellis is one of their alternate players who does whatever is asked of him.
“If we need him to play doubles, he does. If he needs to play singles, he steps to the service line and does his best,” said Dale.
The young player added he enjoys playing badminton and that anyone can play and have fun.
“It is not a hard sport and it does keep you physically fit,” said Ellis.
The 2014 team has players who have come up from the Grade 7 team, which Weiss and Dale also coach. This means that experience in tournament play will not be a concern for the team.
“Our first tournament is May 3 in Sylvan Lake as part of the Chinook's Edge Northern Athletic Association and we play the next weekend (May 9-10) in the Central Western Alberta Junior High Athletic Association event, which will be held in Red Deer.”
Until then, the 16 members of the Grade 8 team will continue to develop their skills alongside community volunteers, with each promising to bring out the best in each other.
