Jim Laugesen, High Performance Coach, has visited centres in all four Branches as part of the High Performance Selection Process.

‘Congratulations to the players from Ulster that managed to keep to their commitment and attend the Assessment session taken by Jim Laugesen, High Performance Coach.  The players responded well to the tasks asked of them, but it was evident that the commitment and hard work required to achieve in badminton is something that our players need to come to terms with on a regular basis and strive to emulate many of the good Irish playing examples currently succeeding outside of Ireland.  The self drive and willingness to overcome any given obstacles are the basic necessary attributes we must look for to continue the success.'

From Belfast, Jim travelled with Daniel Magee, HP Coach to Sligo to assess the players from the Connacht branch.  Both Coaches agreed that the player's work ethic and commitment over the sessions here was to be commended.  The players have progressed immensely from the very start of this HP structure, and with continued hard work, Jim and Daniel have no doubt they will see great development in this HP centre in the near future.

On Thurs, Mr. Thomas Stuer- Lauridsen and Scott Evans arrived in Dublin.  Thomas met up with Jim to finalise plans for the Leinster assessments in Baldoyle on Friday and Whitehall Road on Saturday.

Friday morning's 1^st session started at 10am with 6 participants, who worked extremely hard, and was attended by Leinster liaison officer Mr. Joe Ledwidge.  The 2^nd session ran from 2pm to 4pm and was attended by 8 more participants, again who worked hard to impress.  On Friday evening the session started at 7pm with a total of 15 participants taking part.  This session was very intense and all those attending responded superbly.

Saturday morning saw all 3 Coaches arrive in Whitehall Road at 9.30am along with Scott who was now assisting on his 4^th assessment.  There were two groups, the younger group came for the 1^st hour with the older teenagers and adults arriving for the 2^nd session.  Both sessions went very well.

From 12 noon to 2pm, Jim and Thomas ran a Coaching Session which was attended by 8 Coaches and they were given the opportunity to see routines and practice drills used in training.  They were also encouraged to ask any questions they had and this was very useful.

The next journey was a trip to Cork, but only Jim was able to make this trip as Thomas and Daniel had other commitments to attend.

Sunday morning's session started at 10am in Carrrigaline Badminton Club with 24 attending.  Everyone in this session was totally committed to the morning and by 1pm had gained huge insight into High Performance training and what would be expected of them at this level. 

The Coaches will now sit down and put together their lists of players for High Performance training, and these will be sent to the Branches over the next couple of weeks.

Badminton Ireland would like to thank all players who nominated themselves for these sessions and committed themselves to attending.  They would also like to thank all four Branches for their huge assistance in organising this week.

 Badminton Ireland