A SOLIHULL badminton coach has been handed a top grassroots award.
Steve Kiernan was crowned Grassroots Coach of the Year at Badminton England’s National Volunteer and Coach Awards.
The judging panel said it was impressed by Steve’s efforts in building awareness of badminton and increasing the sport’s uptake in the borough, as well as his dedication to supporting new coaches with their own learning.
He currently runs a badminton club at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, which is run by Everyone Active in partnership with Solihull Council.
Steve said: “Being awarded Badminton England’s Grassroots Coach of the Year 2024 fills me with pride after all the hard work that my team and I have done over the years.
“It means a lot to hear that our club has left a positive impression on people, and the award itself signifies that we are going in the right direction.”
Steve’s passion for badminton started when he was just 10 years’ old, after he attended his local club with his mother.
Since then, he has represented Warwickshire County and started The Badminton Centre – a local hub for adults and children alike to play the sport.
Steve said: “What I find most rewarding about coaching is helping players improve their skills and seeing their confidence grow.
“We have developed something really unique with our sessions – it is not just about playing badminton, but it is about creating new social circles, improving fitness and contributing to overall wellbeing.”
