Chinese badminton coach passes on knowledge to Academy players

Chinese national badminton coach Zhang Qi vistited the school while on a five week visit to Northern Ireland.

He has played as a member of the Chinese National Youth Badminton Team and currently teaches Badminton at Xi’an Physical Education University, where he also coaches the university team which won the Chinese National Championships.

He is recognized as a talented player and also as a national Badminton referee in China.

Ballymena Academy pupils enjoyed a coaching session with this accomplished player, who provided them with skills training and an opportunity to learn and practice various techniques which will enhance their performance.

This was a memorable day for pupils and Badminton Club coaches Mrs. Smyth and Miss Bond, who were thrilled to be able to work with and learn from someone of this calibre.

Principal Stephen Black said: “We very much appreciate the time that Zhang Qi has given to the school.

“To have a world class player coach our pupils is absolutely tremendous and is so beneficial to the members of our Badminton Club who saw the game played at a totally different level and learned so much from the session.”