Badminton Malta’s Junior National Academy was finally launched into the international scene recently following participation at a training camp in Kilmarnock, hosted by the Hurlford Badminton Club.

In all, 16 academy players, between the ages of 12-19, and five coaches took part in on- and off-court training with their peers from Scotland.

During the week-long camp, they also practised with some of the best coaches in the region, including UK national coach Charles Hamilton.

The coaches also had a session with one of the best physios in the country, Michelle Pollock.

She gave them a good insight of what kind of first aid should be given to injured athletes.

The training camp was also an ideal opportunity for Badminton Malta to renew its relations with Hurlford BC through their head coach Billy Fulton, a regular visitor to Malta along with his wife May.

This time, Fulton went one step further by introducing Badminton Malta to Badminton Scotland during a very fruitful meeting at the Cockburn Centre in Glasgow.

Representatives from the executive council, namely general secretary Jo’Anne Cassar and council member Stephen Ferrante, met with chief executive Anne Smillie and Coaching and Development Manager Dawn Middleton.

Another meeting was held with members of the East Ayrshire Council who offered help with regards to para-sports and para-badminton.

“The week spent in Scotland was a very positive team building event for our Junior Academy,” a Badminton Malta statement said.

“It also opened new doors for new friendships and ventures.”

Vejen visit

The training camp was not the only international activity for Badminton Malta this summer.

In fact, four players and a coach also attended the 33rd Badminton Europe School in Vejen.

Matthew Abela, Owen Grech, Nigel Degaetano and Kyle Sciberras, together with coach Edmond Abela, were the latest to benefit from the venture to Denmark.

Meanwhile, Triple Crown winner Fiorella M. Sadowski also attended an overseas training camp organised by the Spanish Badminton Federation.

Sessions, conducted by current Italy national coach Arturo Ruiz Lopez, were held twice daily and lasted three hours each.

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