TWO Rubery badminton clubs are celebrating after being awarded a £2,598 lottery grant.

Colmers Farm Badminton Club and South Birmingham Junior Badminton Club, based at Colmers Farm Leisure Centre, Bristol Road South, received the award in March.

The cash -- a lottery grant for local groups -- was part of the Awards for All scheme. It will be spent on equipment and facilities, coaching and the club's profile, something they have been unable to do in the past because of financial restrictions.

Glen Spencer, development officer at the club, explained: "The main beneficiary will be the younger Sunday junior club, but there are additional benefits for the colts and adults.

"We now have in place a structure that caters from the complete beginner through to adults.

"There is a progression from juniors to adults, so no one is left out on a limb when they reach a certain age."

Coaching is available at all levels, from beginner through to county standard, with there being three clubs in effect.

Qualified coaches

The South Birmingham Junior Badminton Club is the only junior club in south Birmingham and is run by four qualified coaches who play in a four court hall.

The club runs every Sunday between 2pm and 4pm, with an age range of eight to 15 years.

Cost is £2.50 per person per week and racquets, nets, shuttles and refreshments are all provided.

Juniors that reach the maximum club age of 14 or 15 are invited to join the junior colts, which runs at the adult section of Colmers Farm Badminton Club.

The adults and junior colts field several teams in local leagues, including mixed, mens and ladies.

Club night is every Thursday between 8pm and 10pm and fees are £30 per quarter or £3 per week for non-members/visitors.

Spencer said: "The colts receive further coaching to bring on their games, as well as having a chance to play with the adults.

"We field a junior team in the local league, as well as organise competitions and friendly matches."

This club runs alongside the adults on Thursday evenings and the cost is £1.50 per week.

Spencer added: "Both clubs are looking for players, male or female, of any standard, but especially those with a competitive edge.

"We are also interested in the less experienced player as we have the ability to bring on your game."

If anyone is interested in joining either clubs, or has any queries, contact Glen Spencer on (0121) 427 4820 or e-mail; mgjkspencer@netscapeonline.co.uk.