The Bay of Plenty Badminton Association (BOP Badminton) is experiencing unprecedented growth, strengthening its position as one of the region’s most inclusive and dynamic sports organisations.

With a commitment to fostering participation at all levels, BOP Badminton continues to thrive, driven by its strong community culture and the dedication of its players, coaches, supporters, and staff.

Delwyn Cooper, Community Development Manager, highlights the organisation’s collaborative ethos as key to its success.

“It’s a sense of community and teamwork that drives our success,” she says. “How we work together as a team is a major focus, and by doing certain things, we see results happen and continue to develop.”

BOP Badminton’s recent achievements include recording the highest secondary school participation growth (10%) of any sport in the Bay of Plenty between 2022 and 2023.

This expansion saw the number of secondary school teams increase from 23 to 40 at the Western Bay of Plenty Qualifying Champs in 2024, along with 10 junior teams competing at the New Zealand Junior Team Nationals – the most from any region in 2024.

The organisation has also revitalised its operations, reintroducing the ABCD Tournament in 2023 after a 20-year hiatus and launching non-representative junior tournaments across Whakatāne, Rotorua, and Tauranga.

These tournaments, held during the school holidays, attracted over 40 regional players. Accessible junior camps have further supported young athletes by providing cost-effective training and mentorship opportunities.

CoachForce has played a crucial role in the organisation’s success by supporting coaching development and nurturing a new generation of skilled players and young coaches.

“The development we’re seeing of our youth coaches is one of the most inspiring parts of our work,” says Delwyn. “Seeing players transition from participants to mentors speaks volumes about the strength of our badminton community.”

Despite its success, BOP Badminton faces challenges, particularly in court availability and the need for a dedicated facility to meet growing demand.

The organisation’s vision includes developing a central badminton hub to enhance participation and long-term sustainability.

Support from local funder TECT, which granted $20,000 in 2024, has been instrumental in sustaining operations.

Looking ahead, BOP Badminton is set to host the U15 and U19 National Championships in April 2025 and the New Zealand Masters Championships in October, reinforcing the Bay of Plenty’s reputation as a badminton powerhouse.