PLAYER PATHWAY

With over 25 years experience as a player and over 15 years coaching experience, Steven brings both his passion and expertise to the court, helping you believe & achieve! Steven started playing badminton at an early age but it wasn't until he moved to Vienna, Austria that he started playing competitively and in 1996 he picked up a Bronze medal at the Austrian U16 National Championships. Upon returning to Scotland he competed at junior level and was ranked third in Scotland in singles in his age group for three years before moving down to England to study French and German at Loughborough University. During his time at university Steven started playing for BC 58 Luckau in the German Bundesliga and continued playing for them for the next 12 years. After graduation he moved over to Copenhagen, Denmark for 2 years training at the International Badminton Academy under the guidance of Mikael Kjeldsen and Lars Uhre where he had to opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world. Upon returning to the UK Steven moved into coaching working for Badminton England coaching England youngster Lauren Smith. Steven worked with Lauren for 6 years, during which time she won multiple junior national titles before progressing onto representing England at senior level and competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio in ladies doubles. Lauren is the current English ladies doubles National Champion and has recently broken into the top 10 in the world in mixed doubles. Upon moving back to Aberdeen and Steven took up the role of UK Badminton Manager for Babolat VS UK and moved back into coaching locally at David Lloyds while setting up Aberdeen Badminton Academy. Aberdeen Badminton Academy currently run a number of weekly coaching sessions throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as well as offer 1-2-1 coaching.

Qualification: UKCC Level 2 · Started playing at 6 years old in Inverness. · Played for Highland squad u12 to u19 and was ranked 3rd in Scotland for Mixed doubles u17 · Trained with the Junior National Squad from u14 to u19 and then the development squad ·  Represented Scotland at the UK School Games, winning a silver medal in the team event. ·  University Division runner-up in Men’s double’s for the University of the West of Scotland.   Coaching · Started Coaching in Inverness. · Developed through the coaching pathway and was the Highland Advanced Badminton Coach. · Moved down to Hamilton to study Sport Coaching achieving First Class BSc · Coached in Glasgow with the Junior National Squad for 4 years · Moved to Edinburgh to study PDGE in Secondary Education (PE) · Recently Moved to Aberdeen for work and continue to coach with the Junior National Squad.

Qualification: UKCC Level 1+ Hannah is the newest member of our coaching team having joined A.B.A in 2020. As a junior player Hannah was a member of the national squad from U13 age group upwards and was ranked no.1 and national champion in ladies doubles at U15, U17 & U19. She also represented Scotland at the UK School Games in 2010, winning a silver medal in the ladies doubles and the team event as well as competed in the U18 European Championships in Finland in 2011.   After juniors Hannah moved into coaching by gaining her coaching badges and started coaching with Performance athletes in school squad (PAiS). She also studied HND Coaching and Developing Sport at Edinburgh college before gaining Bsc Hons Sport and Exercise Science at Edinburgh Napier University. Over the years she was also Head coach at Haddington junior badminton club as well as working for East Renfrewshire Council. Hannah is a great addition to the team and is leading the Big Hitter programme and well as supporting the Tuesday night Smashers sessions

Qualification: UKCC Level 1 Badminton coach of 6 years, based in Stonehaven but always happy to travel!  Coach all abilities and ages from children up to adult and beginners to advanced players too.  Available at multiple times throughout the week so please just contact about anything.

Qualification: UKCC Level 1 Current U17 Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles Scottish National Champion having previously won the U15 Boys singles title two year previously. Recently taken his coaching badges and looking to get more coaching experience.

Qualification: UKCC Level 1 Connor is currently a member of the NE Regional Performance Squad having previously been part of the national junior squad in 2019. Connor has recently passed his coaching badges and is now a UKCC Level 1 qualified coach.Qualification: UKCC Level 1 Connor is currently a member of the NE Regional Performance Squad having previously been part of the national junior squad in 2019. Connor has recently passed his coaching badges and is now a UKCC Level 1 qualified coach.

We’re smashing into the weekend with another Meet the Team feature! This week we are introducing Jack, which is part of the ABA coaching team: 🏸How long have you been coaching? “I’ve been coaching for 10 years.” 📅How long have you been with ABA? “Been playing and coaching at ABA since day 1.“ 🎖️Favourite moment in your career as a player or coach? “My favourite moment from coaching was is hard to say. I always enjoy seeing people finally understand and make sense of certain areas. And it’s nice to see people that normally wouldn’t know each other get on really well. Bring them all together.” 🔥Favourite badminton player? “Lee Zii Jia. The training commitment is unrivalled.” #badminton #club #aberdeen #sport #sportforall #getactive #badmintonclub #sportsclub

This week, we’re introducing Gordon Spence - a true veteran of the sport with an incredible 42 years of coaching experience! 🏸 🏸How long have you been coaching: 42 years 👨‍🏫Why did you start coaching: to give juniors the opportunities that I had. 📅How long have you been with ABA: 2.5 years 🎖️Favourite moment in your career as a player or coach: Being a member of coaching staff at the Badminton Europe Summer School 🔥Favourite badminton player: Tai Tzu-ying

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Jodie Black, who is part of our ABA coaching team. Jodie currently runs our Sunday Little Hitters, Big Hitters and Mini Hitter session at Kincorth. 🏸How long have you been coaching? “I have been coaching on and off for 2 years.” 👨‍🏫Why did you start coaching? “I wanted to give back to the next generation of badminton players by sharing my knowledge and tips I had picked up over my years on and off the court.” 📅How long have you been with ABA? Since 2021. 🎖️Favourite moment in your career as a player or coach? Representing Scotland at the junior European Championships. 🔥Favourite badminton player? PV Sindhu