THE reigning champion of a local badminton league has urged new members to join after a drop-off in numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Worcester Badminton League started in 2015 and had 70 participants across four divisions.

But after a break through the Covid pandemic, numbers have dwindled and currently there are only 29 players involved.

Defending champion Simon Hughes, who has been playing throughout the 38 seasons since they began and is now hoping people will come back and maybe even some new players will join.

"I joined the league back in April 2017, as its ninth season began, and have been playing regularly ever since, up to and including the current season, number thirty-eight," he said.

"Badminton is an excellent sport. It can be played simply for fun, or as a way of keeping fit, but can equally be played at a highly competitive level.

"Operating all year round, Worcester Badminton League caters for everyone across its multiple divisions, and the system of promotion and relegation allows you to gauge your progress, if that’s something that’s important to you.

"It’s also a great way of meeting new people, of all ages, genders, and abilities. When you play and where you play are entirely up to you, as matches are agreed between individual players.

"Worcester is extremely well served with courts, with 16 available across the Nunnery Wood, St John’s and Perdiswell centres. If you already play badminton, or would like to give it a go, or just want to meet new people, I’d urge you to join."

The leagues are played at three different venues in Worcester; Perdiswell Leasure Centre, Nunnery Wood Sports Complex and St Johns Sports Centre. 

Manager of the league, Richard Pipe, urges anyone who wishes to join the league, to contact him on richard@worcesterbadminton.uk. 

For more information, head over to the league's website.