Lydia to feature in new national league

By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2014, 17:45 BST
Lydia Powell is set to represent Team Derby in the inaugural National Badminton League, which will start in OctoberLydia Powell is set to represent Team Derby in the inaugural National Badminton League, which will start in October
Lydia Powell is set to represent Team Derby in the inaugural National Badminton League, which will start in October
Rising badminton star Lydia Powell is set to take part in the UK’s first ever national league.

Lydia Powell has been snapped up by Team Derby for the inaugural National Badminton League (NBL), which starts on October 6 and will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Powell, 18, said: “It’s really, really big. Badminton’s not really televised that much so it’s something that’s really going to open up the sport. Everyone will be able to see what talent we’ve got in this country and hopefully it will have a really positive outlook.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The NBL will consist of six franchised teams featuring GB’s best players and new, emerging talent. The teams are Birmingham Lions (University of Birmingham), Team Derby (University of Derby), Loughborough Sport (University of Loughborough), University of Nottingham Badminton (University of Nottingham), Surrey Smashers (University of Surrey) and Milton Keynes.

“To be asked by more than one team was quite good because as a junior I wasn’t expecting that,” Powell continued. “Derby wanted to make me more a part of the team and more likely to play matches, plus I’ll get a lot more training opportunities as well.”

With the television coverage the NBL will enjoy, Powell is hoping sponsors will take advantage of advertising space on her playing shirt. Any interested businesses should email [email protected] or check out her Twitter profile @_boompow

Having finished her A Levels at Parkwood 6th Form, Hastings-based Powell is now getting stuck in to her summer training ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2014/15 season.

Hide Ad