Awards Gala 2026

Award Categories
& Criteria

Celebrate the people, clubs, and communities that help badminton thrive in Wales.

📅 2 October 2026 📍 Glamorgan Cricket Ground. Sophia Gardens 🏆 8 award categories

Overview

Celebrating the people behind Welsh badminton

The Badminton Wales Awards Gala 2026 is a celebration of the people, clubs and communities that make the sport thrive. From grassroots volunteers and dedicated coaches to emerging young talents, outstanding players and lifelong contributors, the evening recognises those whose passion, commitment and achievements have had a lasting impact on badminton in Wales.

Award Categories

Explore each category

Category 01

Club of the Year

Honouring a club that has shown exceptional growth, built community connections and made badminton more accessible.

This recognises a club that has demonstrated exceptional growth over the past year, whether by expanding membership, developing new sessions or introducing innovative programmes that keep people returning to the sport.

It goes beyond numbers and celebrates clubs rooted in their communities, clubs that support local initiatives, create a sense of belonging and champion inclusivity by breaking down barriers.

  • Growth in membership, activity or reach
  • New sessions, formats or innovative programmes
  • Strong community links and local impact
  • Visible commitment to accessibility and inclusion
Category 02

Coach of the Year

Recognising a coach who consistently goes the extra mile to help players reach their full potential.

This award recognises an individual who has shown outstanding dedication to player development at any level of the game, from beginners and rising talents through to elite performance.

It celebrates coaching that inspires confidence, builds resilience and creates supportive, positive environments where players can thrive.

  • Clear impact on player development and confidence
  • Positive, supportive and high-quality coaching environment
  • Leadership by example and strong personal values
  • Meaningful, lasting influence on the people they coach
Category 03

Volunteer of the Year

Celebrating the people whose time, energy and generosity keep badminton running behind the scenes and on court.

Every thriving badminton community is powered by volunteers. This award is dedicated to those who give their time, energy and heart to make the sport possible, including coaches, technical officials and grassroots leaders.

It recognises someone who has gone above and beyond in their commitment, often behind the scenes, organising sessions and events and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

  • Outstanding service and reliability
  • Strong behind-the-scenes contribution
  • Support for events, sessions or new initiatives
  • Selfless commitment to the badminton community
Category 04

Junior Player of the Year

For a junior athlete whose development, performances and growing confidence mark them as a player to watch.

This award recognises a junior athlete who has demonstrated outstanding progress over the past year, through rapid skill development, impressive competition performances or growing confidence on court.

It is about potential as much as achievement, celebrating young players whose dedication and love for badminton point to a promising future as both competitors and ambassadors for the sport in Wales.

  • Strong improvement across the year
  • Competitive performances and confidence growth
  • Dedication, attitude and evident potential
  • Positive representation of the sport
Category 05

Player of the Year

Recognising senior-level excellence, character, perseverance and impact both on and off court.

This award celebrates a senior player who has demonstrated outstanding progress, dedication and character throughout the year, whether through notable competitive success, personal milestones or relentless commitment to improvement.

Beyond results, it recognises a player whose passion, perseverance and positive attitude make them a role model within the badminton community.

  • Senior-level progress and performance
  • Dedication, professionalism and consistency
  • Achievement of meaningful goals or milestones
  • Positive influence as a role model
Category 06

Masters Player of the Year

Honouring commitment, performance and inspiration at every age and stage of the game.

This award recognises an individual who has shown remarkable progress and performance, proving that commitment to badminton knows no age limit. It may reflect success in competition, a return to the sport with renewed energy or sustained high-level performance.

It celebrates enthusiasm, resilience and a commitment that continues to inspire others.

  • Performance or progress within masters badminton
  • Resilience, motivation and sustained commitment
  • Inspiration to others in the badminton community
  • Visible love of the game at every stage of life
Category 07

Inclusion Recognition

Highlighting exceptional work to make badminton more inclusive, accessible and welcoming.

This award honours an individual, club, programme or organisation that has made an exceptional contribution to making badminton more inclusive, accessible and welcoming.

It recognises those breaking down barriers, creating opportunity and helping to build a stronger, more diverse badminton community across Wales where everyone has the chance to belong and succeed.

  • Barrier-breaking work and inclusive practice
  • Creation of accessible opportunities
  • Welcoming environments for different communities
  • Longer-term positive impact on belonging and participation
Category 08

Outstanding Contribution to Badminton

A long-term recognition award for leadership, vision and sustained national impact across the sport.

This award recognises an individual or organisation whose long-term commitment has helped shape and strengthen badminton at a national level. Their leadership, effort and vision leave a legacy that benefits players, coaches and the wider badminton network across Wales.

Contributions may include pioneering initiatives, developing participation and performance pathways, supporting the growth of clubs and competitions or providing unwavering service behind the scenes.

  • Long-term national impact on the sport
  • Leadership, service or strategic vision
  • Enduring contribution across pathways, clubs or competitions
  • Legacy that strengthens badminton in Wales

Note: the recipient of this award is selected by the judging panel in consultation with the Badminton Wales Board and is not open for public nomination.

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