Twelve young Eastern Bay of Plenty badminton players took part in the 41st New Zealand Junior Team Champs (NZJTC) in Palmerston North last month.

This event is run by Badminton New Zealand, and it takes place every July.

This year saw a record-breaking number of teams entered – 86 in total involving more than 650 players (up from 72 teams and over 550 players in 2023), from the North and South Island, and split into four four age categories: under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19.

This competition is the highlight of the year for young badminton players as it is a chance to play against the best of the best, nurture old badminton friendships, and make new friendships throughout the four days of playing.

Although the competition can be very intense, there is always a great atmosphere, heaps of supportive noise, and lots of smiles to be seen around the massive Central Energy Trust Arena.

Whakatāne High School had a large contingent of players competing, Reon Blommerde – Bay of Plenty under-13 Yellow; Maxwell Martin – Bay of Plenty under-15 Blue; Mackenzie Reid – Bay of Plenty under-17 Blue; Catelyn Santos – Bay of Plenty under-19 Blue; Jorja Henderson – Bay of Plenty under-19 White; Jorja Fenwick – Bay of Plenty under-19 White and Xavier Reid – Bay of Plenty under-19 White.

Trident was represented by Will Dippie – Bay of Plenty under-15 Blue; Nathan Reihana-Asquith – Bay of Plenty under-17 Yellow and Emily Dippie – Bay of Plenty under-19 White, plus Whakatāne Intermediate’s Kupai Jones Bay of Plenty under-15 Yellow. All donned the BOP colours.

Edgecumbe College’s Mieka Miller lined up for Counties Manukau under-17 Oxen White.

All of the players, apart from Mieke, are members of the Awakeri or Whakatāne Badminton Clubs.

Will and Maxwell narrowly missed out on a medal with their side finishing fourth in division two, while Reon and Kupai’s team was 11th with a win over Eastland Gisborne, after losing to their BOP counterparts earlier in the competition.

Mieka, in the Counties side, placed first in division one, after wins over Harbour 2, Wellington North Gold, Waikato, Mainland but lost to Auckland Mako and Harbour 1.

She was in good form, winning 10 of her 15 matches.

Mackenzie was in good form for her under-17 side as they took out the spoils in division 2, beating Manawatu in a thriller. She won 14 of her 17 matches and finished with an impressive 82 percent success rate.

“Being able to represent the Bay of Plenty at NZJTC for four years now has been a huge highlight throughout my badminton journey. It is an amazing opportunity to learn new techniques and put your skills to use while also meeting new people and having fun along the way,” Mackenzie said.

Nathan’s Bay of Plenty Yellow finished 9th in division 2 in the same grade as Mackenzie.

In the under-19s, Catelyn came second in division 2 with Bay of Plenty Blue.

Xavier, Emily, Jorja Fenwick and Jorja Henderson helped their team place 10th in their grade.

“I have really enjoyed representing the Bay of Plenty for the past four years, and I am sad that this was my last year being able to compete before heading off to university next year.

“I will always have fond memories of the friends I have made along the way during my badminton career,” Xavier said.

Teammate Emily was also finishing her time in the side and had loved the experience.

“Competing at the NZJTC for Bay of Plenty has been a great experience, and I encourage avid players to give it a go as it will test you to play your best while you compete against players from across New Zealand and with a range of skills and abilities.”

All of the EBOP players gave it their best despite the scores going against them on occasions.