Rolls-Royce Badminton Club in Derby, spearheaded by the enthusiastic John, is where competitive spirit and social fun collide. Founded in the 1950s by Rolls-Royce employees, this gem of a club has been smashing it in the Derby and District Badminton League and the Nottinghamshire League for over twenty years.
John's club is open to everyone who loves badminton, no Rolls-Royce affiliation needed. Whether you're just smashing around or eyeing county-level wins, they’ve got you covered. They play on Fridays and Sundays at Bemrose School from 7 pm to 10 pm, and during the summer, it wraps up an hour earlier.
Their game setup is simple: pick from the “selector board” and hit the court for doubles. They use feather shuttles for that pro feel. Annual adult membership for the 2023-2024 season is £260, with discounts for juniors, students, and honorary members.
Don't worry about any profit motives; all fees go towards court hire, shuttles, and other essentials. Plus, an affiliation fee with Badminton England is required for those in the competitive teams.
Want to just drop by? Visitors are welcome at £7 per night, and if you decide to join, that fee gets knocked off your annual dues. With teams in both Derby and Nottinghamshire leagues, there's never a dull moment on court. Teams are selected in September, with matches kicking off from October to April.
But it's not all about competition. John’s club knows how to have a good time off the court too, with social events like darts nights and 10-pin bowling.
Made up of a dedicated committee, detailed info can be found on their “Contact Us” page. And for the younger crowd, there’s junior training on Sundays from 5 pm to 7 pm for kids aged 9 to 16.
Thinking of trying it out? They offer a free taster session! Just print a voucher from the club's website and head over to Bemrose School for a complimentary session.
John and the Rolls-Royce Badminton Club crew are all about welcoming new players, fostering community, and keeping the shuttlecocks flying. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just fancy a hit, they've got something for everyone. Check out more on their website and join the action!