MUSCATINE, Iowa–For kids who prefer individual activities or who do not enjoy contact sports, finding a way to keep them active, especially as the weather gets colder, can prove a real challenge. However, more independent sports, like badminton can prove just the ticket for them. After a successful first season, the Youth Sports Foundation looks forward to offering badminton, with popular coach Tony Snyder, for a second year in a row.
A badminton player for much of his life, Snyder asked the Youth Sports Foundation if they could add the sport to their winter offerings. Pleased to include some variety, Youth Sports Foundation Co-Founder Jim Miller agreed to give it a go. He found that the first group of kids to try it out enjoyed themselves immensely. “Just learning the game and playing it is a lot of fun,” he said.
With short games and constant action, kids feel engaged every time they play. However, due to the lower impact nature of badminton, kids can continue playing it into adulthood, helping them stay healthy throughout their whole lives. “They can come down and play badminton until they’re 90,” said Miller with a smile.
Whether kids have tried badminton in the past or have never played once, coach Snyder can help them develop both their skills and appreciation for the sport. “He loves the game and is so passionate that he is a great teacher,” enthused Miller.
This year, Youth Sports Foundation badminton will take place on Sundays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Muscatine Community Y from Nov. 7 through Dec. 19. Interested students in fifth through eighth grade will spend time learning how to hold a racquet and hit a birdie, how to interpret court lines, how to play single and doubles games, and how to exicute techniques that can help them play like a pro.
Anyone wanting to sign their kids up for badminton this year should do so by visiting the Youth Sports Foundation website by Nov. 7. Registration costs $55 per child. Anyone who signs up by Oct. 27 will also receive a t-shirt with their registration.
To ensure kids have a great first experience with badminton, the Youth Sports Foundation will provide all of the equipment they need to play. “We provide everything they need–you just need to show up” emphasized Miller. He knows that everyone who does will have a blast getting to know the ins and outs of badminton.
