Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started and booking
How do I join Southsea Badminton Club?
It’s simple! We don’t have a complicated trial process. To get started, you just need to register for an account on our website. You’ll be presented with a quick online registration form to provide a few key details—rest assured, we keep your information secure in accordance with our privacy policy. Once you’ve registered and logged in, you can immediately book onto any available session that matches your skill level.
Can I just turn up and play?
No. To keep games fair and ensure the session isn't over-subscribed, all players must register and book their spot online in advance. We cannot accept "walk-ins" or cash payments at the venue.
How much does it cost?
Our club nights are £7 per session, payable in advance via the website. There is no large upfront annual joining fee—you simply "pay-to-play."
Can I book a spot for my friend/partner?
No. Our system allows one ticket per registered player. Every person stepping onto the court must have their own account and their own booking. This ensures everyone has accepted our club policies and we have correct emergency contact details.
I’m an absolute beginner—can I join?
We currently require players to have a basic understanding of the rules and the ability to hit a shuttle. If you’ve never picked up a racket before, you should instead:
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Attend a Badminton England No Strings session or Essentials course to learn basic techniques, rules, and improve your gameplay
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Research other beginner-level sessions run near you by sports centres or private coaches
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Seek some one-to-one coaching, which can quickly improve your skills. You can find and contact a local coach via the Badminton England website.
If you're still not sure, then contact us and we'll endeavour to point you in the right direction!
Choosing the Right Session
Who are the Improvers' sessions for?
Our Improvers’ club nights are perfect for you if you:
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Have played badminton socially and want to get into playing more regularly
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Want to work on your technique, shots, positioning, movement and stamina, or
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Want to improve your game before joining a competitive club.
Our Improvers' club nights are designed to give a flavour of how our main club nights work, at a more accessible level for newer or less experienced club players.
What ability levels can join a Wednesday club night?
Our club nights are usually busy, and are focused on back-to-back competitive play. They are not for providing coaching, or teaching how to play badminton.
It’s absolutely essential before attending that you:
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Know the rules of doubles badminton, including keeping score, service, and what’s in and out on the court
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Can play doubles badminton with a partner safely, including communicating with them, and safely moving around another player
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Are able to comfortably hold a rally with other players, including overhead shots like clears
Who should not attend a Wednesday club night?
Examples of things that we cannot accommodate at our club nights include:
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Not playing with a doubles partner safely, i.e. not using communication and correct movement to avoid clashes and near misses
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Not knowing the rules of doubles badminton, e.g. because you’ve only hit a shuttle around for fun previously
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Not having an awareness of other players and games on court, e.g. not understanding badminton doubles rotation, or walking across courts while play is underway
This is for the safety and enjoyment of both yourself, and other players at the club. If you attend but do not meet our minimum criteria, we will recommend you seek alternatives more suited to your abilities elsewhere before attending a club.
How are your club nights organised?
Our volunteer organisers have had training, including Badminton England coaching. We have also seen hundreds of different players play over the years, so are fairly good judges of ability.
At each session the designated organiser will be focussed on directing games, and handing out shuttles. Other committee members and volunteers will usually be on hand to welcome and check you in, and answer any questions you might have.
What kind of games can I expect?
Our main priority is to give everyone a mix of games at and around their ability level, as judged by our coaches. This will include a variety games with players at your ability level, as well as above, and below.
The number and type of games per night will vary depending on the players attending any club night.
Membership & League Matches
Do I have to be a member to play?
No! We remain a "pay-as-you-play" club. Membership is entirely optional, but highly recommended if you plan to play regularly or join a league team.
How do I represent the club in matches?
You must hold a valid Membership to be eligible to play for our League Teams. Your membership fees help us to pay for the additional league fees and insurances. Read more about how players are selected for teams on our League Teams page.
Equipment & Facilities
What do I need to bring?
Bring yourself, a racket, appropriate sports clothes, and a water bottle. We do not rent or lend rackets.
What shoes should I wear?
Only non-marking indoor court shoes are permitted. If your footwear is inappropriate for the sports hall floor, you will be asked to change or may be unable to play.
What shuttles do you use?
We pride ourselves on quality play, so we use feather shuttles for all sessions. Occasionally, we may trial new "hybrid" shuttles during Improver nights to stay up to date with the latest equipment.
Where do you play?
We use a number of venues in the heart of Southsea: Portsmouth High School and the Ravelin Sports Centre. Specific directions, maps, and parking tips for each can be found on our Where We Play page.
Managing Your Booking
I can’t make it anymore; can I get a refund?
Refunds are available if requested at least 72 hours before the session starts. After this point, we are unable to issue refunds as we have already committed to the court hire costs.
Can I move my booking to a different night?
Yes! We actually recommend rescheduling rather than refunding. You can reschedule your booking to any other available night (free of charge) up to 12 hours before your session starts via the "My Club Night Bookings" tab of your Player Profile.
Safety & Club Rules
Is there an age limit?
Due to some recent insurance restrictions we are unfortunately unable to accommodate under 18s. We’re looking into alternatives and hope to update this policy in the future.
Can I request specific games?
As organisers we welcome feedback and requests for particular types of game. We’ll try to accommodate requests within reason. For example, you might request more mixed doubles games if you have a match coming up and would like some practice.
However a mixed social club night is not the environment to provide games customised to an individual – we would advise you organise your own private session if you only wish to play with specific players.
Who do I talk to about safety or welfare?
We want everyone to feel safe and welcome. If you have any concerns, please speak to our designated Welfare Officer. Their contact details can be found on the contact us page.
Can I take photos during the session?
We love seeing your photos on social media, but please respect your fellow players. Always ask permission before filming others, and check our Filming & Photography Guide for full details.