Team Woods a badminton dynasty

Dad Trevor began his association back in 1969, going on to win numerous titles and earn representative honours before moving into management and coaching.

Mum Alison, started playing at 8-years of age before moving to the Alpha Club at 14.

Alison was always a force to be reckoned with on the local scene, going on to play for Ireland, competing in thre Europe Cup campaigns.

It should come as no surprise, with both Trevor and Alison having spent so much time playing the sport that this impressive dynasty would continue thanks to the talents of twin Daughters Rachael and Rebecca.

Having played badminton at a representative level themselves, the couple went through a gamut of emotions as they watched their daughters make their international debuts in Barcelona on their twelfth birthday.

Any anxious feelings their parents may of had didn’t transfer down to Rachael and Rebecca who can recall taking their first steps into the world of badminton at the age of five in the Alpha Badminton Club, a venue which could be described as being their ‘second home’ for nigh on the next decade and a half.

The twins steely determination, nurtured on those badminton courts back in Lisburn, saw them claim a silver medal in the girl’s doubles whilst Rachael was to win a prized bronze medal in the Under-15 singles.

In the doubles they were up against French opponents who had taken the opening set 21-17.

However, Rachael and Rebecca countered, decisively drawing level by dominating the second 21-12.

The decider was always going to be a tense affair, not only for those on court but also amongst the watching s