Public Health, Adult Social Care and Health, London Borough of Hillingdon

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Thank you so much for everything you have done and working together over the years it has been truly great and such a positive experience, also thank you for pulling a team together at such short notice for this year's LYG.

 

Kim Truelove, Senior Sport & Physical Activity Office, July 2026

CampFlip, Hatch End

 

We are Camp Flip, a holiday club for children aged 3–11, and we had a fantastic experience working with Gala Academy during our May half-term camp. The children absolutely loved the session and were engaged from start to finish. In just 1.5 hours, they learned about badminton, developed key beginner skills, and gained confidence through a variety of fun and interactive activities. The session was expertly delivered, with a perfect balance of learning, challenges, and fast-paced games that kept the children active, motivated, and smiling throughout. The energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism shown by the Gala Academy's badminton team created an unforgettable experience for our campers. We received wonderful feedback from both children and parents, and we cannot wait to welcome Gala Academy back for our summer programme!

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Sumena,  Leadership Team, CampFlip, May 2026

Volunteering at Gala Academy for DofE

 

I had lots of fun volunteering at this class for the past couple months. I think that I grew in confidence and I learnt how to explain and simplify concepts to help children understand. I also learnt how to adapt teaching methods depending on the child and how to communicate with others.  I think that skills like communication, empathy and patience are all valuable life skills and could all help me in the future whilst interacting and collaborating with people.

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Viti, DoE Volunteering student, May 2026

Volunteering at Gala Academy for DofE

 

The volunteering sessions have been both enjoyable and beneficial for me. I had an opportunity to improve my skills of leadership, communication and supporting by helping other people to enhance their skills in playing badminton. I assisted in teaching children some basic skills in playing badminton such as a proper grip of the racket, contact with the shuttle and movement around the court, as well as in organizing some mini games and activities. Another important aspect of the process was getting to know more about the principles of safeguarding and the need to make sure that all children are feeling safe and comfortable when participating in any sports activity. It allowed me to understand better what my duties are when working with young people and how I can create such a positive environment where everyone is going to be able to learn and to have fun. It was very encouraging to see the improvement of children's skills and the way they were enjoying the process. The experience allowed me to become more responsible and confident when dealing with others.

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Hrim, DoE Volunteering student, Mar 2026 

St John’s School, Pinner

 

We have been delighted with the after-school badminton club provided at St John’s School Northwood over the past two years. The team are highly professional, reliable, and enthusiastic, offering engaging sessions that our pupils thoroughly enjoy. Their support to the school has been excellent, and the club has been a valuable addition to our co-curricular programme.

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Mr H. Krüger,  Head of PE & Co-Curricular, Sept 2025

Holiday Playscheme for Children by Home Group, Harrow

 

We invited Gala Academy to deliver sessions at the Beacon Centre during our summer playscheme, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. All staff were professional, friendly, and engaging throughout. The children had the opportunity to learn a new sport, with many trying badminton for the very first time. The sessions were not only well-structured and supportive, but also filled with fun and energy, keeping every child involved. It was a fantastic addition to our programme, and we would highly recommend their coaching for any children’s activities or community events.

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Ms. H. Scarlett, Community Development Manager, Sept 2025

St Martin’s School, Northwood

Gala Academy have been fantastic with our pupils. The children genuinely look forward to attending the Badminton club after school on Fridays. The Academy brings a wonderful blend of humour and deep expertise in the sport, which really resonates with all the participants. From an administrative perspective, they are a pleasure to work with—efficient, responsive, and supportive—which makes my role significantly easier.

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Mr R. Koya, Director of Activities and EVC, Sept 2025

Level 1 Coach at Gala Academy

 

It has been a pleasure to coach at Gala for the past year, both assisting the elite group on a Sunday and running a foundation group on a Tuesday. The teaching syllabus is strong, the advice and guidance from Raj and Parool has been brilliant and I have had the opportunity to assist and learn from a level 2 coach for my entire coaching journey, picking up and honing new skills. They have constantly pushed me towards new qualifications and experience allowing me to see a wide range of coaching techniques and students, helping me to expand my coaching repertoire constantly.

 

Josh, Level 1 Badminton Coach, Sept 2025

Brandlehow Primary School

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'Yes the coaches seemed well organised and enthusiastic. The children were quite energised in the small groups! Would be good to have them back'.  The children also really enjoyed it. We will definitely be in contact with you same time next year to deliver again.                                                               

 

Rebecca, Sport & Extra-curricular Coordinator, Nov 2024

Young Roots Charity

 

Really enjoyed working with the coaches from Gala Academy. They have been incredible with supporting and teaching the young people, adapting to their needs and working cooperative. We would highly recommend working with Gala if you are looking for  reliable, friendly and great coaches to teach badminton to your community.

 

Lisa , Young Roots Charity Co-ordinator, Sept 2024