At Peter Jeffrey Badminton Academy (PJBA), our mission is to inspire and nurture young athletes by providing a supportive, inclusive, and fun environment where they can develop their badminton skills, build confidence, and grow both on and off the court. We are committed to fostering a love for the sport, promoting fair play, teamwork, and encouraging lifelong healthy habits. Through dedicated coaching, innovative training methods, and a focus on personal growth, we aim to help every child reach their full potential and become not only great players but also respectful, kind, and empowered individuals.
Our Values
Our Approach
At PJBA, our core values shape everything we do. Inclusivity ensures every child feels welcome and valued, fostering a diverse and supportive community. We emphasize Learning & Growth, encouraging continuous improvement and development both on and off the court. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle is central to our mission, as we inspire young athletes to embrace fitness and well-being through regular physical activity. Finally, our passion for the sport shines through in our value of We Love Badminton, where we instil a lifelong love for the game, making every practice and match enjoyable and exciting. Together, these values create a nurturing and dynamic environment for all our players.
At PJBA, People are at the heart of everything we do. Our academy's approach is centred around nurturing each athlete's unique potential, providing them with a comprehensive toolbox of skills necessary for badminton success. We focus on developing Technical skills to ensure precise and effective strokes and movements, enhancing Tactical understanding to improve strategic decision-making, building Physical fitness to ensure peak performance, and strengthening Mental resilience to foster confidence and determination. By combining these elements in a supportive and inclusive environment, we empower our players to excel both on and off the court.
Our Academy Structure
The Discover Squad at PJBA is our entry-level group, designed to introduce young players to the exciting world of badminton. In this squad, beginners will learn the basics of the game in a fun and supportive environment. Our experienced coaches focus on building a strong foundation by teaching essential technical skills, fundamental tactics, and basic physical conditioning. We emphasize inclusivity, ensuring every child feels welcome and valued. The Discover Squad is all about sparking a passion for badminton, fostering teamwork, and developing the confidence needed to progress to higher levels.
The Progress Squad at PJBA is tailored for players who have mastered the basics of badminton and are eager to take their skills to the next level. This squad focuses on refining techniques, honing strategic gameplay, and further developing physical fitness. Led by experienced coaches, players in the Progress Squad benefit from personalized instruction aimed at enhancing their competitive edge while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. This squad is ideal for aspiring players aiming to advance their abilities and excel in both local competitions and broader badminton competitions.
The Perform Squad at PJBA represents the pinnacle of our academy's pathway, tailored for elite players who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and ambition in badminton. This top-level squad focuses intensely on advanced techniques, tactical strategies, and rigorous physical conditioning under the expert guidance of our experienced coaches. This squad fosters a culture of excellence, camaraderie, and continuous improvement, equipping players to achieve their highest potential and excel on both national and international stages.
The PJBA Club is a group that brings together senior players, masters, and top-level juniors for competitive play. Led by experienced coaches, players in the Club engage in intense match simulations and competitive matches that challenge their skills and promote strategic thinking. This integration of juniors with senior and master players creates a dynamic environment where players learn from each other’s experiences, enhancing their competitive edge and preparing them for high-level tournaments and competitions.
Our Methodology
At PJBA we use a variety of different methods to develop every player according to what they individually need!
Open Practice
Open practices are designed to encourage real time decision making, whilst still structured towards specific goals.
Matchplay
Matchplay sessions are a place to implement all your skills, develop tactical awareness and build confidence and winning strategies.
Skill Practice
Skill practice is a place to breakdown individual movements, improve technique through repetition and develop new shots.
Physical Training
Physical Training is designed to ensure you can meet the demands for speed, power, balance and agility.
Footwork
Footwork training is essential to move smoothly and timely around the court so you are ready for all possible scenarios.
Multifeed
Multifeed is all about repetition and fitness. This rapid fire training method will ensure you are in peak condition.
Schedule & Venue
Discover Squad
Tuesday 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 5-7pm
Thursday 5-7pm
Friday 5-7pm
Progress Squad
Monday 5-7pm
Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm
Wednesday 5-7pm
Friday 5-7pm
Venue
Perform Squad
Monday 7-9pm
Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm
Wednesday 6-8pm
Willison Sports Centre
Stratford Road
Roade
NN7 2LP
Meet the Team
Director and Head Coach
Peter Jeffrey
Pete Jeffrey is a renowned figure in the world of badminton, known for his outstanding contributions to the sport as a player, coach, and consultant. Born in Ilford, East London, his journey in the world of badminton began at a young age, when he first picked up a racket at the tender age of 7. Throughout his career, Pete has not only showcased his skills as a player but has also dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring the next generation of badminton talent. His passion and dedication to the sport led him to represent his country as both a player and coach. In 2005, Pete achieved a significant milestone when he was appointed as the national coach for the Great Britain/England badminton team. His expertise and leadership greatly contributed to the development of players at the national level, and his impact on the sport continued to grow. Pete's dedication and leadership in badminton coaching reached new heights when he was appointed as the Head Coach of the GB programme in 2017. This role allowed him to shape the future of British badminton, nurturing talents and preparing them for the global stage. His involvement in the Olympics is a testament to his coaching prowess, as he served as a coach in three consecutive Olympic Games – London, Rio, and Tokyo. These experiences allowed him to work with elite athletes and gain valuable insights into the high-pressure world of international competition. In 2022, Pete expanded his horizons by taking on the role of Head of Doubles for the French National badminton team. This international coaching experience enriched his coaching portfolio and further solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the world of badminton. Further to his coaching career, Pete is a Associate Coach Developer for British Rowing and is also the founder and director of the Peter Jeffrey Coaching Consultancy. The company's aims are to provide elite international coaching, develop coaches to achieve their goals and inspire inclusivity in all sports. Off the court, Pete calls Milton Keynes his home. He is a devoted husband and father of three children.
Assistant Head Coach
Zach Sturgess
Badminton has been a massive part of Zach Sturgess’ world since the age of 5, when he ran on court and decided that he wanted to start playing himself.
Zach was born and still lives in Northampton and has been part of the Northamptonshire County junior and senior squads since the age of seven, earning over 50 caps for representing the junior teams.
He was also the youngest player to win the Singles and Doubles Northamptonshire Senior Restricted events at the age of 15.
In 2020, Zach joined a Badminton Academy in Milton Keynes and the improvement in his game was soon to be rewarded with winning a Silver medal in the U17 English Nationals in Mens Doubles, a silver in the final of the U17 Spanish International in Ibiza and winning Gold in the U19 West of Scotland Junior Championship. These achievements then saw him being accepted onto the England Junior Pathway.
Zach still loves representing his county and entering National Tournaments, but has realised that his focus and drive is now to give something back to his county and the sport he loves, and therefore he has now moved into a coaching role.
Zach has a keen interest in mentoring the Northamptonshire Junior County squads and coaching players of all ages on a individual basis. His love and understanding of the sport is allowing him to develop the skills of players who he is now working with.
When he is not on court, you will often find Zach trying his hand at golf or spending time with his friends and family.
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Coach
Lucy Sturgess
My love for badminton began at the age of 7, when I watched my parents compete in a Masters County Match. From that moment, I was hooked - badminton became my sport, and it’s grown into a lifelong passion. Born and raised in Northampton, I studied physiotherapy at Coventry University for three years while continuing to represent my county in both Junior and Senior events. Over the years, I’ve proudly secured first place in all three disciplines at the County Restricted Championships. As a junior player and together with my (younger!) brother Zach Sturgess, I trained intensely for over three years. This experience helped me develop as a player and led to opportunities to compete in national Bronze and Silver tournaments — with some Gold medal finishes along the way. I currently play in the Coventry league and regularly spar with high-level players from across the country. Alongside my full-time role at a physiotherapy clinic in Northampton, I remain deeply committed to badminton and am passionate about coaching and supporting the next generation of players in the county here at PJBA!
Coach
Kat Gittins
From when I first picked up a racket at 8, badminton quickly became a key part of my life. I enjoyed a successful junior playing career representing my county at 10 and later my country, before turning this passion to coaching.
Now with over 20 years of coaching experience, through roles including Head Coach at Westgate Performance Centre, I have been fortunate to work with many athletes and support them to achieve multiple national & international titles.
I grew up in Hampshire and moved to Buckinghamshire in 2018 when I was appointed as National Programme Coach at Badminton England where I stayed for 6 years. During my time in this role I achieved my career highlights which include Coaching at the BWF World Championships in 2022 in Denmark. I attended several BWF World Junior Championships as Team Manager & Coach and I was also fortunate to attend Team England’s Futures Programme & Immersion camp at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
My coaching philosophy draws on my Sports Psychology background and centres around building confident, resilient athletes, combining performance coaching with sports psychology to empower players to be their best, on and off the court.
Off court? You’ll find me playing other racket sports, spending time with friends & family, or baking something sweet!
