Kingston Badminton Club is keeping children off the streets and improving their health, helping not only physically but mentally too
Kingston Badminton Club(Image: Donna Clifford/Hull Live)
From humble beginnings to a thriving community cornerstone, Kingston Badminton Club is proving that sport is about much more than just what happens on the court. Founded in 2009 with a handful of players, the club has expanded into a vibrant group that fosters mental health, physical fitness, and social cohesion across generations.
Chairman Sheik Mohid reflected on the club’s journey, saying: “We started in 2009 we were looking for more opportunities for our kids, focusing on their health and wellbeing and getting them off the streets, getting them involved in some kind of activity.
“They all like football, they all like cricket but there was very little for badminton. So we wanted to get them involved in a game they enjoy.
“We started off with three or four players and now it’s expanded we have around 40 members. We do local tournaments, club tournaments and an annual big tournament where we previously had more then 80 teams from all over the UK as far as Scotland and London competing. Sport helps mentally and physically; it’s been a great help to me over the years. I have three boys that came when they were younger and I wanted to get them off the streets and into something they enjoy.”
The club’s mission is centred on providing a safe, year-round environment for the younger generation. Club secretary Humayan Ahmed emphasised the accessibility and health benefits of the sport, saying: “The aim is to keep the younger generation off the streets. Sport keeps you healthy and is very good for mental health.
“It’s a fast game and being indoor you can play all year. My son Faizaan is 11, he is the youngest of our club and part of the next generation.”
The club’s welcoming atmosphere has even caught the attention of seasoned athletes. Paul Norton, a racketball player and captain of the over-40s England team, maintains a close connection to the group. He said: “I used to live here and for ten years I used to run the badminton and squash clubs. I went to school with Halal and his brother and they asked me to come down have a hit with them and really get the community going.
“I come down often to meet new players, get involved and I join them for tournaments too. Kingston is superb, you can see straight away the community and friendliness, you just feel part of a big family.
“It’s great and, for anybody that wants to get into badminton, this is the club to come down to. This club helps build confidence in kids that helps them thrive and that’s what sport is all about.”
Inclusivity remains at the heart of the club’s operations, ensuring that players of all skill levels feel at home. Helal Hussain pointed out that the mix of experience levels creates a unique learning environment, saying: “We have a huge range of different standards and abilities. We find the weaker players love playing the stronger players which also helps them become better players.
“Everyone likes being competitive and playing with all the members in the whole club. We take anyone that wants to play badminton – it doesn’t matter on ability, we have players who had never even picked up a racket until joining us.”
This commitment to development is evident in the success of players like Samuel Hussain, who began his journey at the club before heading to Cambridge University. Samuel said: “I joined the club two years ago and would definitely recommend it. It’s helped me improve my game a lot and it’s really fun.
“Every week it is intense and keeps you active with two hours of running around. I’m now at Cambridge but I’ve continued badminton and I come back to Kingston during my university breaks.”
Supporting these players is Level 2 coach Ibrahim Khan, who finds personal fulfilment in the progress of his students: “I have played badminton since I was 11 years old. I love the pace of the game because I like running around, it’s fun overall.
“It’s rewarding and beneficial coaching, seeing Samuel improve all the way through to his first final was really good.” For younger members like Tahmid Ahmed, the club is also a way to bond with family. Tahmid said: “My dad got me into badminton when I was 7, he’s fond of it and just wanted me to become a good player do we share this common interest. I’m happy he did because I really enjoy it.”
The growth of Kingston Badminton has been bolstered by significant local support, including assistance from Hull City Council leader Mike Ross and councillors from the Bricknell, Avenue, Central, and St Andrew’s wards. Local businesses have also stepped up, including Nick Padgett of Wer2 Taxis, who provides sponsorship.
Nick explained his motivation for supporting the club, saying: “As soon as I came down I saw what they were doing and how enthusiastic they are, how they are bringing the community together. We were happy to get on board.
“We are super keen to get young people off the streets and spending time coming here. I see how much hard work goes into the club and we are proud to help.
“We help them with a bit of sports kit and sponsoring their annual tournament so we are here long-term to help the guys as much as we can.”
Kingston Badminton Club is open to new members and new sponsorships. More information can be found here
Are you a community group or community space providing services, events or activities for the residents of your area? Contact donna.clifford@reachplc.com