Performance Badminton

The Loughborough Badminton Performance programme is at the core of our elite sporting provision, offering comprehensive support and flexible training to help athletes excel both on the court and academically.

The programme is designed to nurture those with the ambition and talent to compete at the highest national and international standards. The programme is divided into two key groups, the Elite squad and Aspire, each tailored to meet the specific needs of athletes at different stages of their development and progression. 

The Elite squad provides an individualised training plan combined with extensive support services including physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and performance analysis. The Aspire programme offers additional training and workshops to players aiming to reach elite status, with clear pathways for progression into the Elite squad. 

Whether you’re targeting national titles or developing your potential, the Loughborough Badminton Performance programme is built to challenge, support, and accelerate your journey. 

A badminton player on the court holding their racket in the air and about to return the shuttlecock

Para Badminton

Para badminton players are fully integrated into our Performance badminton programme.  Players of the appropriate level are supported to pursue their ambitions within either Elite or Aspire depending on their performance level and receive support from our coaching and support team staff.

Elite programme benefits

Up to 18 hours of on-court training per week, including 11 weekly sessions featuring individual development plans (IDP), multi-skill sessions, shadow training, and competitive match play
Regular competitive opportunities with BUCS league matches and knockout cup matches per season
3x strength and conditioning sessions per week to build athletic performance and resilience
Individualised annual planning, goal setting, and performance reviews
Video and performance analysis to refine skills and tactics
Comprehensive Performance Support, including access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and more
Performance lifestyle support to help you balance elite sport with academic success
Scholarship opportunities for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment

Aspire programme benefits

Up to 18 hours/week on court training
Review meetings
Strength & conditioning support
Access to group nutrition workshops
Access to Performance lifestyle workshops

Our star alumni

A photograph of Loughborough badminton player Nathan Moore

Nathan Moore

BSc Natural Science student

Badminton

  • 2021 U19 National Men’s Doubles champion
  • 2021 Bulgarian Junior International Men’s Doubles champion
  • 2021 Spanish Junior International Men’s Doubles champion
A photograph of Loughborough badminton player Utkarsh Arora

Utkarsh Arora

MSc Sport Management student

Badminton

  • Highest world ranking of 62 in Mixed doubles and highest national ranking of number 1 in India
  • Represented India at the World Championships
A photograph of Loughborough badminton player Lizzie Tolman

Lizzie Tolman

MSc Sport Analytics and Technologies student

Badminton

  • 2019 Welsh Open Women’s Doubles champion
  • Represented England at the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships
A photograph of Loughborough badminton player Jenny Moore

Jenny Moore

BSc International Business, MSc Management and MSc Business Technologies graduate

Badminton

  • Highest world ranking of 28 in mixed doubles
  • Winner of multiple international titles
  • England representative and competed in the 2022 World Championships

Loughborough was one of the few places in the country where I could receive the level of coaching and sparring needed to compete on an international level, as well as the opportunity to pursue my academic goals. [It's] given me so many opportunities to develop as not just a badminton player but as a person. It sounds cliché but Loughborough really does feel like a big family, and I feel a great sense of pride to be a Loughborough student.

Lizzie Tolman
MSc Sport Analytics and Technologies

Coaching staff

Dave Lindley

Head Coach

Leading the delivery of coaching for our performance squad. Dave is a former World top 10 player and England international player, boasting 10 years’ experience as a national senior and pathway coach.

Photograph of Loughborough badminton coach John Quinn

John Quinn

Assistant Coach

Former World Junior Champion and England international player, John supports with the delivery of the badminton programme. He also has previously been the national coach for 4 countries: England, France, Scotland, and Ireland.

Photograph of Loughborough badminton coach Chris Langridge

Chris Langridge

Assistant Coach

Chris is one of England and GBs most successful athletes in recent years having won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is also a Commonwealth gold medallist, European Games Gold medallist and 9 other European medals. Chris also recently spent 1 year coaching the French national team.

Atu Rosalina

Assistant Coach

Atu is a former international player with a highest world ranking of 20 in women’s singles in 2000. She is also a former Indonesian Uber Cup team member and has won multiple titles at the international challenge level.

Prospective students

If you currently have ambitions to train in our elite squad or for more information about our badminton programme please contact us via email.