A DUNFERMLINE-BASED badminton club is celebrating after becoming only the second in the country to achieve a Gold Award within Badminton Scotland's Shuttlemark Accreditation Scheme.
Wing Badminton Club, formed in 2012, were presented with the award last Thursday.
The Shuttlemark Accreditation programme began in November 2017 and aims to help and develop clubs in order to increase participation in the sport, and has three levels – bronze, silver and gold.
In June 2018, Wing – which first started as a development club located in the community-use facilities at Inverkeithing High School, which was known as 'The Wing' – were credited with the bronze award, before receiving the silver mark in October of that same year.
They were also nominated as a Badminton Scotland pathway club, which focuses on giving players aged between seven and 12 structured, weekly coaching sessions that are designed to equip players with the key skills needed to be a success.
Wing, who relocated to the community-use facilities at Queen Anne High School six years ago to gain more court time, can count on experienced grassroots and ex-internationalists – Jane Russell, Kirsty Flockhart, Gordon Hoggan and Calum Flockhart – as its coaches.
Their success in helping children to develop their skills at all stages of development led, in 2017, to the club introducing an adult 'pay and play' section in 2017.
On their latest award, which will support them to develop and strengthen infrastructure, plan for the future and, in turn, increase capacity and grow, head coach Kirsty said: "The scheme has helped us build on our success as winners of both the Junior and Senior Midland club competitions, and will help to inspire and encourage players of all ages."
Joanna, who is the club secretary, added: "The Shuttlemark Award scheme has helped us to ensure that we had everything in place to provide a safe and professional environment for our players, which has been even more important during the return to play after COVID-19.
"It also gives confidence to our members, Fife Community Use and potential funders and sponsors."
In addition, the club has also signed up to the Shuttlemark Include Disability Charter, with two of their coaches – Kirsty and Jane – completing disability inclusion training with Badminton Scotland and Disability Sport Fife.
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