12 attendees from around the globe, including Brazil, Uganda, and Australia, came together for a pioneering Level 1 BWF coaching course specifically tailored for para coaches in January 2023. The course, which took place in Ajman City, United Arab Emirates,
The BWF Coach Education Level 1 is the first of four levels in the Coach Education framework. Launched at the beginning of 2012, it is the most fundamental course for Badminton Coaches with the course available in eleven languages from English, Spanish, French, Arabic and more. BWF is currently expanding the course into more languages.
Martin Rooke (WH2), a seasoned para badminton player turned coach, expressed his philosophy during the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024: “I coach young children, from age nine to 19. I coach them just as they want to be coached exactly as an able-bodied coach. I can’t show people footwork. But if there’s a class of nine or 10, you can always guarantee one person will have good footwork. You get them to show the class, and just adapt to adapt your style of training.”
Rooke, who started playing badminton at the age of 38 after an accident, emphasised his passion for the sport and his desire to give back through coaching. “I’ve had a lot of success in badminton and I’ve had a great time,” said the four-time European champion in men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles and quarterfinalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“Everyone can learn, when it comes from the waist up. I can show them how to prep the racket, and what shots to play. I can also implement what they should do or how they think about a match because I’ve got lots of experience. There isn’t anything I can’t coach, that an able-bodied person can.
“I retired because my body is not as strong and I was getting too many injuries. I love the sport. It’s given me so many great years. So now I want to give something back and I like coaching, I still want to play. For somebody who’s coming to the end of their career, coaching is the next step,” he added after taking on a commentary role during the Para World Championships in Pattaya last month.
Helle Sofie Sagoy (SL4), who recently collected a bronze medal at the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, reflected on the significance of the coaching workshop, remarked, “The workshop not only equips para players like me but also coaches with the skills to nurture para badminton talent but also fosters a sense of unity and inclusion within the global badminton community.” Sagoy affirmed, underlining the universality of coaching principles across different abilities.
BWF hopes to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in various aspects of the sport including, coaching, officiating, tournament organisation and volunteering.
