July 3, 2023
The junior calendar slowed down in June, but there were still some big events in England and Europe.
EJP Discover Trials – 17 and 18 June
The England Junior Pathway Discover Trials took place at the National Badminton Centre in the middle of the month with around 60 players in attendance.
The young players had the opportunity to showcase their abilities on court and were observed by a Panel of Coaches.
The panel provided feedback from the day which is being included in a wider review process for players aiming to be part of the England Junior Performance Programme.
1️⃣ MONTH TO GO 🤩 Are you ready?
The 4 Nations Para Badminton International will take place at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, 2-6th August. We can’t wait!
Grab your tickets now! https://t.co/Uk5hUyUmnJ pic.twitter.com/5kc1WHLfcE
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) July 2, 2023
Players will learn if they have been successful in joining the Discover Squad for the 2023-24 season in mid-July, with those selected then being invited to attend an online induction session on 20 July.
The players will then come together for their first Discover Training Day on 29 July.
The England Junior squads can be found here and will be updated with the 2023-24 squads in July.
Spanish U19 Junior International – 9-11 June
Dillon Chong reached the mixed doubles semi-finals at the Iberdrola Spanish Junior International in El Campello.
Playing alongside Scotland’s Brooke Stalker, the duo received a bye in round one before defeating the third seeds in a decider.
Up against home favourites Alvaro Moran and Elena Payá, Chong and Stalker withstood a fightback from the Spanish pair to win 21-17 15-21 21-14.
Against Danish pairing Philip Oliver Rasmussen and Nicoline Tang, Chong came from behind to win in three games before upsetting another Spanish seed in a straight-games win over Marcos Garcia and Jana Villanueva, winning 22-20 21-11.
Denmark’s Jakob Clausen Jessen and Sophia Lemming proved too much in the semi-final as Chong and Stalker were defeated 21-17 21-7 to end a fine run.
Chong was also in men’s doubles action alongside Lewis Coghill of Scotland, suffering a three games loss in the first round.
On Wednesday 5th July, the global badminton community will come together to celebrate World Badminton Day! 🏸
Why don’t you join us and get on court and play! 🤩
Find a court or session near you here 👉 https://t.co/b48G7BKWNl pic.twitter.com/VSHhBXwnXg
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) June 28, 2023
He was joined in the men’s singles draw by Oliver Nicolson, with both reaching the second round.
Nicolson enjoyed a walkover in round one before losing to second seed Baptiste Rolin 21-11 21-12, while Chong tasted defeat to Alvar Melleri of Finland.
Full results can be found here.
German U17 Open – 8-11 June
Sofie Chong competed in the mixed doubles at the Babolat German U17 Open in Bergisch Gladbach reaching the third round.
Chong partnered with France’s Lenny Bonniere, with the two being named as the fourth seeds and entering the competition at the second-round stage.
There they defeated Lukas Johansen and Malou Lebech of Denmark 21-14 21-15 before facing another Danish pairing in the third round.
Chong also competed in the women’s doubles along Monitosita Touch of France with the pair suffering defeat in the second round.
Full results can be found here.
