In the vibrant world of badminton, the Jamaica Badminton Academy stands as a beacon of excellence, cultivating young talents and charting a course for success on both national and international stages. Led by the dynamic duo of Matthew Lee and Kenneth Anglin, the academy is not just a training ground for shuttlecock enthusiasts but a nurturing space that combines athletic prowess with educational opportunities.
"The Jamaica Badminton Academy is dedicated to providing a holistic platform for children to thrive in the world of badminton," shared Matthew Lee, the Director of the academy, alongside Kenneth Anglin. "Our mission goes beyond developing top-level athletes; we aim to instill essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship."
Recently, Lee proudly shared the academy's remarkable achievements. "We currently have a lot of players selected to the national teams, especially for juniors. In the recent national junior championships, we had four medallists, including the remarkable Zoelle Jamel securing the Under 15 Girls Championship. This showcases the undeniable growth and potential of our talented athletes."
As the academy gears up for upcoming local tournaments, including the Tournament of Kings/Queens, Doubles Mania, Junior Classics, and the All Jamaica Super Series, Lee emphasized the pivotal role these events play in talent development. "Our unique schedule features multiple events, allowing young players to gain valuable experience in badminton tournaments. A new ranking system is set to be implemented (by the local governing body), providing players with the opportunity to earn points, leading to higher-tier tournaments and international representation," he stated.
Looking towards the global stage, the Jamaica Badminton Academy has its sights set on the XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 and the CARIBACO International Junior Championships. "We are particularly targeting the Junior Pan American Games, and we have designed a special training program for our high-performing athletes. Additionally, we are actively seeking sponsors to support these players' representation on the international stage," Lee explained.
The academy extends a warm welcome to players from primary, prep, and high schools to join their training programs. Beyond honing badminton skills, this presents a unique opportunity for children to enhance university applications, pursue scholarships, and unlock future job opportunities.
As the badminton calendar unfolds, marked by exciting local tournaments and international competitions, the Jamaica Badminton Academy is poised to make waves, leaving an indelible mark on the global badminton landscape. "Our academy believes in playing bold and reaching for the stars," concludes Director Matthew Lee. The shuttlecock soars, and with it, the dreams of young athletes under the tutelage of a visionary academy that believes in nurturing talent with passion and purpose.
Upcoming Tournaments:
Local Tournaments:
February 24th - 25th: Tournament of Kings/Queens
March: Club League, JG X Bad Boys Invitational
April 20th - 21st: Doubles Mania
May 18th - 19th: Junior Classics
July: Summer Swing
September: Club Knockouts
November 9th - 10th & 16th - 17th: All Jamaica
December 7th - 8th: Super Series
International Tournaments:
July 11 - 13: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 TEAM EVENT CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 15-19: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - U13 - U17 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 15-19: XXXII PAN AM JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - U19 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 21 - 25: CARIBACO International Junior Championships