Current Students and Staff

// University News

Peter Briggs, Chloe Birch, Lauren Smith and Harley Towler
Peter Briggs, Chloe Birch, Lauren Smith and Harley Towler

24 Sep 2014

Loughborough Sport to compete in new National Badminton League

Loughborough Sport will be competing in the new National Badminton League (NBL) – the UK’s first ever professional national league - which starts this autumn.

The game-changing NBL begins on 6th October 2014 and matches will be televised live on Sky Sports, as well as globally to over 10 million homes in 16 countries via Eurosport Asia-Pacific. Matches will also be streamed live on the Internet.

The league matches will include a new game format, unique scoring system and dynamic in-game features.

Loughborough Sport is one of six teams in the league and will be in action for the first time against Team Derby on 3rd November in a televised home fixture at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.

The Loughborough Sport team contains a blend of international and national players, alongside graduates and current students.

Henri Hurskainen, who represented Sweden at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Linda Zetchiri, the Bulgarian number 1, have been recruited to add international experience to the men’s and women’s singles events.

In the doubles events Commonwealth Games medallists Lauren Smith and Jenny Wallwork will be joined by England international player Marcus Ellis.

Graduates Peter Briggs and Harley Towler, members of the BADMINTON England performance programme and BUCS men’s doubles gold medallists during their time at Loughborough, are also part of the squad.

They are joined by current students Chloe Birch, who received her first senior England call up in February 2014, as well as Greg Mairs, Viki Williams and Jenny Moore.

Alan Buzza, Franchise Manager for the Loughborough Sport Badminton team said:

“I am delighted that Loughborough Sport will be competing in the first ever National Badminton League. We are proud of our reputation for sporting excellence and hope to compete strongly at the top of the league.

“I very much hope that our students, fellow staff and the local community will come and support our new team. It’s a great opportunity to watch some of the best national and international badminton players in action.”

Tickets are now on general sale with prices starting at £5 for Loughborough University staff and £2.50 for current students. Full ticket details and fixtures can be found here.