Lead Coach - Carl Barnard

"I began to play again after a long time off (30years) at pay & play sessions in the London boroughs. This is where I met Kim Tan, who helped me a lot with my own game. Kim asked if I could help him on Saturday afternoons with his class at OJ’s so I went along and was made welcome by all the coaches there and encouraged to continue. I achieved my Badminton England Level 1 Coaching Badge with the encouragement of Kim Tan. After a couple of seasons helping Kim with class 3, Badminton England changed the coaching qualifications to the new UKCC Levels structure. Kim said that it was time again for me to take the test ( why did I ever listen to him?) but I did and now I am a qualified UKCC Level 2 Badminton Coach. This season I was asked to take over class 3 as the lead coach. I felt very honoured to be asked, but at the same time upset that my good friend and mentor was stepping down. Knowing that he’s coming back occasionally to watch and punish me should I go wrong keeps me going. Within the club I am a Volunteer Coordinator and Child Protection Officer. I am also a Badminton England Referee. This year I am working towards becoming a UKCC Level 1 tutor and looking forward to attending the course. My other interests are Martial Arts, where I am a 1st Dan Black Belt in Karate, along with Brown belt in Judo and Ju-Jitsu and I have also studied Tai Kwon Do. I work on the River Thames as a Pilot/Waterman mooring ships up and down the River at different berths and jetty’s. 2009 looks like it is going to be a good year for Orpington Juniors and myself. "

Email: carlbarnard@orpingtonjuniors.com