We managed to grab a few minutes with one player from each of the teams in this season’s AJ Bell National Badminton League. See how they answered our five probing questions...
Fontaine Chapman - University of Birmingham
Fontaine is England’s top-ranked female singles player. She made her England debut at the 2014 European Mixed Team Championships.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- When I was 5 or 6 I used to take tennis lessons at a rackets club in my home town Coventry and afterwards my Grandad used to have a game of badminton with myself and my older sister. I instantly took to badminton and my love for the sport grew from there.
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- My number one tip would be to always work hard and never give up on your dreams and aspirations (as cheesy as that is!)
- Who is your sporting hero?
- My sporting hero is Jessica Ennis-Hill. Previous to her incredible success at the London and Rio Olympics, she showed such amazing strength of character and determination when she got injured, missed the 2008 Olympics and then had to re-train herself to jump off her other foot.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- I would either be a swimmer or a track & field athlete.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- I would say I am honest, ambitious and friendly.
Sean Vendy - Suffolk Saxons
A double reigning national champion at U19 level, Vendy made a winning start on his NBL debut last season. He reached the last 16 at the Junior World Championships.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- I got into badminton as my mum played while I was young. I used to go and watch at the local leisure centre and just started picking up a racket that way.
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- My number one tip would be just to work hard. Without hard work, you can only go so far.
- Who is your sporting hero?
- I have a lot of sporting heroes from many sports. I'd say Andy Murray is a big inspiration though as he is British and currently number 1 in the world for tennis.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- If I didn't play badminton the only other sport I would play is football. When I was, younger I had to make a decision between giving up football or badminton and obviously, I chose to give up football.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Ambitious, focused, flamboyant.
Chloe Birch - Loughborough Lightning
With 11 national junior titles to her name, Preston-born Chloe is a rising star who made her Team England senior debut at the 2014 Women's Team Championships in Switzerland.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- I got into badminton through my sister who started playing at school. From her playing at school my dad took her down to the local club of Abbeydale Badminton Club and from this I started to join in before or after her sessions then gradually got involved in the actual sessions.
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- One tip I would give to aspiring badminton players is to ensure they enjoy playing, if you don’t enjoy playing you won’t put the hard work and commitment in that is needed to get to the very top.
- Who is your sporting hero?
- My sporting hero would be Chris Hoy, his determination to be the best he could possibility be inspired me to want to be just as committed and dedicated to my sport of badminton.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- If I couldn't play badminton I would be involved in either netball or athletics that I played and competed in at school and local clubs as a junior.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- I would describe myself as committed, dedicated and enthusiastic.
Bristol Jets – Ben Lane
A left hander from Devon, Ben won two gold medals at the U17 European Juniors Championships and was shortlisted in BADMINTON Europe's Young Player of the Year for 2014. He has been national champion in all age groups from U11 and is now competing with the senior England squad on the international circuit.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- My mum used to play for England so she bought me a racket and used to play with me and my brother.
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- To always try your hardest and have fun.
- Who is your sporting hero?
- Usain Bolt and Lin Dan both are amazing athletes and great role models.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- If I couldn't play badminton I would pay tennis or golf.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Sociable, determined and stubborn.
Team Derby - Marcus Ellis
Having experienced life in the world top 10 in both Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles and title wins across Europe, including Denmark Open. Last year Marcus became Men's Doubles champion and in partnership with Chris Langridge won the Bronze Medal in the Men's Doubles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- My dad took me to his local club as a 6 year old once each week and they said I stayed on court all 3 hours and never came off until the end!
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- If you love and enjoy the sport you're playing, you're already half way there. Commitment and hard work makes up the other half!
- Who is your sporting hero?
- Muhammad Ali.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- Tennis or squash.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Laid back and easy going until I get on a Badminton court!
University of Nottingham - Jess Pugh
Jess was European Junior Champion in 2014 and won the Hungarian International Mixed Doubles alongside Ben Lane.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- My older brother used to play at a fun club at the weekends. I went along when I was 4 years old and started playing badminton with balloons and extra-large shuttles and never looked back!
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- I would say don't let criticism or negativity stop you from going after your dreams; if you want it go and get it.
- Who is your sporting hero?
- I don't have a sporting hero but the professional attitude and dedication of any athletes I see motivates me to be better.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- If I couldn't play badminton I would love to be a professional tennis player and get a nice tan.
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Passionate, perfectionist and creative.
Surrey Smashers - Sophie Brown
Women's Doubles specialist Sophie is a popular face in the England senior squad and tours Europe competing on the Badminton European circuit. She reached the last 8 of the World University Championships.
- How did you get into Badminton?
- I got into badminton when I was about 8 years old. I played football as well as badminton. At the age of 14 I had to decide what sport to concentrate on and I decided to pick badminton (even though I was better at football).
- What would be your number one tip to any aspiring Badminton professionals?
- My number one tip to any aspiring badminton player would be to make sure they enjoy every training session and competition that they compete in. Sport isn’t easy, you’ll have good and bad days, but that’s all part of the journey, so enjoy it while it lasts.
- Who is your sporting hero?
- I have quite a few - Roger Federer, Jess Ennis and Simone Biles.
- If you couldn't play Badminton, what sport would you do?
- If I couldn’t play badminton, I would definitely have been a footballer (playing for Leeds United).
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- Friendly, cheerful and caring