Legacy West Midlands is one of Active Birmingham’s ‘anchor’ organisations. As the name suggests, these organisations are anchored in the community and embody the place-based approach of the programme. Active Birmingham is a partnership between Canal and River Trust, The Active Wellbeing Society, Birmingham City Council and Sport Birmingham. The fund forms part of the Birmingham 2022 Legacy, bringing communities and people together to improve wellbeing and act as a catalyst for change across the region.
Badminton at the Lighthouse, is one of the fantastic projects that Legacy West Midlands is supporting in collaboration with Sport Birmingham and the wider Active Birmingham programme. The weekly sessions are aimed towards young people, particularly to those in the nearby communities of Aston, Lozells and Newtown. They are held at Lighthouse Young People’s Centre in Aston, which sits in the heart of the local community, and is a well-known facility for young people in the area.
Alfu and Shahid who run the sessions, are rooted in the local community and have inspirational personal stories. Their stories demonstrate how sport and physical activity can be a catalyst for personal growth and development. Both Alfu and Shahid have played badminton at a national level and hold professional qualifications in badminton coaching. Their unique experiences mean that they are ideally suited as role models for the young people that attend the sessions. They provide guidance, professional coaching and inspiration to those that attend.
Some of the young people that attend the sessions have limited opportunities and are at risk of becoming involved crime and antisocial behaviour. In addition to opportunities to develop badminton skills, the sessions provide safety, support, routine and structure for those that attend. They provide an alternative to staying at home, helping to reduce the mental and physical health implications of inactivity.
…badminton is an amazing sport …it’s giving them opportunities to have physical activity and healthy lives. A lot of the young people, they’re probably staying at home. They’re on their devices playing games, on their computer and stuff. We get them to come out to engage in physical activity, learn about teamwork, learn about eating healthier, learn about how to play the game of badminton – building basic skills. The great thing about it is we’ve got so many young people, from different backgrounds as well… They’re making new friends, they’re talking to each other, they’re doing positive activities.
Shahid Miah – Coach at Badminton England and Men’s Health and Youth Officer – Legacy West Midlands
The young people are involved in every part of the session, including taking charge of setting up and looking after the nets and equipment – encouraging teamwork, organisation and responsibility. The sessions start with a warm-up, technique and agility exercises, followed by badminton. The weekly sessions consistently attract over 20 participants.
I find it really good and it’s boosted my confidence. Meeting new people is really nervous for me. … The group has boosted my confidence in playing with others I’ve never met before in life…they’re really kind, they’re really funny and they inspire me to keep going… My game has progressed. I’m good at serving, hitting, smashing and everything. So I’m very thankful for the coaches helping inspire me to play… It helps me as well with my mental well-being as well.
Hamza, participant
…
It’s really good. It’s really improved my mental health by meeting new people. I just really enjoy being here because it’s like it’s my comfort zone… badminton just makes me really happy whenever I play.
Healey, participant
For more information about Legacy West Midlands, you can visit their website here
If you would like to find out more about Active Birmingham you can contact one of our connectors:
Callam Dunne
Role: Development Manager (Youth & Community) Email: callam.dunne@sportbirmingham.org
Katie Bolam
Role: Activity Manager – Communities and Placemaking Email: katie.bolam@theaws.org