Wisbech badminton coach Tom off to uni
The Wisbech badminton circuit has bid farewell to Level 1 coach Thomas Skuse.
Tom was studying Sports Development and Coaching at the College of West Anglia and after passing the course with a triple distinction star, he has now been accepted at the University of East Anglia (UEA) to pursue a degree in Sports Development.
A keen American footballer, whose passions have now also turned to badminton, Tom hopes to join one of the UEA badminton teams.
"I always thought that my drive was for American football but badminton is fast catching up. I'm hoping to join both teams at UEA, so I'll have to keep my fitness up," said Tom
Tom attained his Level 1 in badminton coaching in January and has since helped Level 2 coach Nishi Varma run the Back to Badminton group, for people who have played badminton previously or not at all and want to get back to or start up in the game.
Tom co-coaches with volunteer coach Sam Taylor.
Nishi said: "They made a fabulous team and their rapport quickly rubbed off onto the players. They make the sessions light hearted, put the players at ease and encouraged them to join the 'No Strings' sessions.
"Tom will be missed and his enthusiasm and drive should be a lesson to anyone who believes in themselves and thought they could never play badminton. Well done and all the very best Tom."
Tom said: "If I make one of the badminton teams at UEA, I'm looking forward to learning even more about the game, making new badminton colleagues and going for my Level 2 coaching."
Tom also likes to further hone his skills at the 'No Strings' sessions at the Hudson and Wisbech St Mary with Sam, where they both enjoy singles and doubles play.
"I'll miss Tom and his antics," said Sam. "We get on really well and I'll look forward to co-coaching with him when he returns during the holidays."
All the players at all of the 'No Strings' groups wish Tom well for the future and know that with his determination and commitment that he'll make the grade to become a Level 2 coach.
Tom's Mum, Alison Skuse, said: "I'm so proud of Tom and everything he's achieved so far. His whole attitude has changed and he's really matured into the game. He's proven his aptitude for coaching and never lets people down. I'll miss him terribly. Even though he goes next week, I'm looking forward to when he gets back."
If anyone would like to join the 'No Strings' sessions (open to players of all levels), ladies only sessions are held on Mondays 7-8pm, Back to Badminton Thursdays 6-7pm and mixed 7-8pm at the Hudson Sport Centre.
Cost is £2 per session. No experience is required and coaching and equipment is provided. Contact the Hudson for further details on 01733 942862.
Mixed play is at Sunset Rooms, Wisbech St Mary on Thursdays 7-10pm, cost £3. Booking is essential, contact Nishi on 07802 919581.
