Youth Development Program hits off at TSL Complex

The Tan Siu Lin Sports Complex in Gualo Rai was filled with children laughing, running, and playing on Thursday, May 7.

With many children spending weeks at home after the recent typhoon, the Northern Marianas Badminton Association launched its first Youth Development Program at the Tan Siu Lin Sports Complex on Thursday to help get kids active again through sports. The program also hopes to spark more interest in badminton, discover new talent, and help build the next generation of the junior program.

The program is led by NMBA board member and national team coach along with several members of the junior national team. It is open to children ages 8 to 12, with sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 4:30pm.

During the first session, the children worked on movement, footwork, and forehand drills as coaches got a feel for each child’s skill level and looked to see who may already have experience from school or past programs. The sessions introduce participants to the basics of badminton while encouraging more youth involvement in the sport.

Pangilinan said, “We’re excited that the kids have this opportunity to come out and play.”

Even with storm damage affecting the TSL gym, organizers moved ahead with the program and were happy with the turnout. Around 33 children registered, including a few who walked in without signing up beforehand. The program is still open to participants.

With public school classes and sports programs still on pause, Pangilinan said starting the program after the typhoon was important.

“Some kids are probably at home doing nothing, while some really want to play badminton. I’ve had a few parents and kids asking if TSL was going to be open for badminton,” she said.

The program is currently running with limited resources, including a generator that powers the gym until around 5:15pm each day. She said the program could run for a month or longer depending on participant interest.