Coaches
Henry T. Gaspard
Chairman, Coach
Profile
Hi I’m Henry, chairman of the Black Arrows Badminton Club. I am currently a Level 2 Coach and have been coaching for over 30 years in many areas of London, including Barnet, Hackney and Newham. I have played in the Middlesex, Essex and Bedfordshire leagues, as well as representing Bedfordshire at Senior County Level and Essex at County Veterans. As a coach I focus largely on technique, skills and knowledge of the game. If you have problems with your backhand, then come and see me.
Wayne Bridgeman
Coach
Profile
I have played badminton at club and county level and the current Middlesex county Over 40’s Captain.
I believe all sports are more than just running around to work up a sweat. From chess to rugby… All are role play games of mental/physical duress in adversity within a set of restricted rules. So chose your character!
No matter what your true reality… in sport you can achieve anything. The only true battle … even if for only a moment is finding the confidence to believe in yourself!
Having started coaching at aged 18. I have now been coaching for over 25 years in schools, youth clubs, privately as well as for a number of charity organisations.
This includes a number of sessions delivered for Black Arrows at primary, secondary, college and university level. I am Black Arrows Lead Coach on Disability Badminton, working in partnership with The Elfrida Society, Mencap and Disability Sports Coach.
As a coach my aim is to show you the skills and tools to play the game but the real development comes from people I coach and inspire me to continue to coach.
Ashley Reynolds
Coach
Profile
I started playing badminton at a young age as to compete with my brother. As I entered my teens I represented my county and spent a few years playing the badminton circuit around my home county, Oxfordshire. Health issues meant that in my mid-teens I had to slow down my badminton, so instead I turned to coaching – becoming fully qualified Level 2 coach in 2015 at the age of 18.
I now love to represent and coach young people, and enjoy playing competition again for my university, City University London, where I play Men’s Doubles for the first team. Besides my playing role I am also the Badminton HE Officer at City, responsible for promoting the sport of Badminton to students, and working with the university and Black Arrows in all aspects of coaching, promotion and delivery of Badminton.
Through Black Arrows I have been given the opportunity from January 2016 to act as Coach to the City Men’s and Ladies team, as well as delivery of Social Badminton sessions, a great opportunity and challenge, which I am sure I will excel in.
Mark Yip
Coach
Profile
Mark’s profile is coming soon.
Amardeep Panesar
Coach, Junior Development
Profile
I’m Amardeep and coach at the Black Arrows Badminton Club. I’ve been involved in coaching for over 22 years and am a Level 2 Coach. I’ve coached in the areas of Barking & Dagenham, Newham and Hackney. I’m more of a participant based coach. I place a large emphasis on fitness training through badminton, as I’ve experienced this myself as a fun and competitive way of learning and appreciating the sport. I’ve played in the Essex and Middlesex leagues and also for the Essex County Junior and Senior Teams. Hope to see you at the sessions.
Harpour Williams
Coach
Profile
As a player I have been playing Badminton for over 35 years for various clubs across London, and currently run my own club ‘Just Badminton’. I am passionate about playing Badminton and about coaching, and have been involved in volunteering as an assistant coach for many years, developing my coaching skills and knowledge.
In 2010, Henry Gaspard who I have know as a player and friend for many years persuaded me to do my Level 2 coaching award which was funded by Black Arrows, and whose senior coaches mentored and supported me trough the process. In 2011 I was awarded my Level 2 coaching award and joined the Black Arrows coaching team, where I coach in a variety of settings, from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, as well as private 1-1 or group coaching.
If you are looking for a no-nonsense coach, prepared to work hard to achieve results then visit my sessions.
Sharon Jones-Barnes
Coach
Profile
I am a wheelchair para badminton athlete and have been representing England, in national and international competitions since 2008. I am also a Level 2 qualified badminton coach. Para badminton will be making its long awaited debut at this year’s Paralympic games in Tokyo. To date I have won 25 Gold, 27 Silver and 8 Bronze medals.
My journey started when I met Herman Fung a prolific Badminton Coach, at an event at the Stoke Mandeville National Inter-Spinal Unit in 2008. During this event, he invited me to try badminton, and the rest is history. He not only believed in me but also my abilities, thus helping me realise my talents and allowing me to believe in myself again, giving me the needed strength and courage to accept my disabilities. I am now part of the esteemed Black Arrows Badminton Club coaching staff. KARAKAL sponsorship has supported me toward my continued career as a para athlete for England.
When in competition, my specialism is in singles events, but I also compete in ladies and mixed doubles events.
Within para badminton, there are 6 categories in total. These are:
WH1, WH2, SL3, SL4, SU5 and SH6
I compete within the WH2 classification – which is wheelchair/impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no impairment of the trunk.
When playing para-badminton, specifically in my classification WH2 and WH1, it is so important to have a suitable lightweight and speedy wheelchair – which aides in manoeuvring around the badminton court.
One of the greatest opportunities of my life was being given the opportunity to carry the Paralympic Torch in August of 2012 around the community in Hackney! It was absolutely amazing!
Another major honour is to have been recognised by my achievements and history being made in para badminton by CitySport Black History Month 2021.
I am proud and thankful to be given the opportunity to be coaching children and adults in various sports and adapted activities and helping to build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Currently, I am working with Black Arrows Badminton Club to start a funded inclusive badminton club running on a regular weekly basis for all abilities to come and take part, train and have fun drills and games.
Ben Oladunjoye
Coach
Profile
Hi, I’m Ben a Level 2 coach part of the Black Arrows Coaching team since 2018. I work with many young people and adults to upskill their on-court ability to perform to their potential. I’m typically found coaching in Islington, Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets and Central London. I started competing at university (LSBU) helping them gain division promotion. Around this time (2016), I gained my Level 1 through the Higher Education Programme from Badminton England. Later, with support from Henry and funding from Black Arrows I was thrilled to be supported and mentored by the club to achieve my Level 2 coaching award in October 2018. Black Arrows has been fundamental in building my skills and confidence in coaching. Currently I play in the Middlesex league and tournaments.
Anthony Henry
Coach, Treasurer
Profile
I’m Anthony, club treasurer and I’ve been coaching for over 30 years. I’m a Level 2 Coach and have worked in the areas of Barnet, Waltham Forest, Hackney and Newham. I’m a team coach and also specialise in one to one sessions. I have played in the Essex and Middlesex leagues. When coaching, I place a large emphasis on deceptive training, jump smashing, fitness, knowledge and techniques required in the game. Come and see what our sessions have for you.
Norman Beckford
Coach
Profile
I have been involved in playing Badminton for a number of years at social club level, I always had an interest in coaching but never took it further. However In January 2013 Henry Gaspard encouraged me to do my UKCC Level 1 Award in Badminton coaching, and was supported by Black Arrows to achieve the award. On completion of my Level 1 award, I did a number of voluntary coaching hours for Black Arrows, working alongside a senior coach who mentored me whilst I perfected my coaching skills.
In June 2013, I was again supported to do my Level 2 coaching award, which I passed, and following further mentoring and support from a senior coach, I have been actively involved in helping Black Arrows to deliver its coaching programme across London.
Coaching has allowed me to remain active in the sport of Badminton, to meet new people, and support them in becoming the best players they can be.
Shirley Louis-Onyebuashi
Coach
Profile
Hi, I’m Shirley Louis-Onyebuashi, I am a Badminton England registered coach. I’ve been playing badminton for more than 30 years. And still play league and county Badminton regularly. Initially I took up badminton to keep fit, I became good enough, to then progress into league and county.
Currently my coaching groups include college, secondary and university students. As well as One to One clients. Encouraging women and girls to play and embrace the competitive nature of Badminton as well as the fitness benefits, is something I’m particularly passionate about. I was able to put this passion to good use coaching a group affiliated to the ‘This girl Can Project’
As a former primary school Teacher, I believe that building confidence through sport can transfer into confidence in academics. Where necessary I incorporate use of my teaching experience by providing assessment and progress sheets to clients who can benefit from them.
As an original member of Black Arrows, it’s great to be back working with Henry and the coaching team, supporting the development of Badminton across London.
Lyndon Gonzales
Coach
Profile
Lyndon’s Bio is coming soon
George Joseph
Coach, Club Secretary
Profile
Hi I’m George and coach for the Black Arrows Badminton Club. I’m a Level 2 Coach and have been involved in coaching for over 22 years. I have focussed mainly in the areas of Waltham Forest, Newham and Hackney. I am also founder and chairman of the Leyton Youth badminton Club. I’m a democratic type of coach and place a large emphasis on fitness, skill development, deceptive training and knowledge of the game. I have played for the Essex Senior and Essex Veterans teams. I currently represent England in the Over 50’s Veteran’s Nationally and Internationally and am ranked Number 2 in England.
Stephen Huie
Coach
Profile
Stephen’s Bio is coming soon
Surej Salim
Coach
Profile
Surej’s Bio coming soon.
Kiron Zaman
Coach
Profile
Kiron’s Bio is coming soon
Coaching Courses
If you are interested in joining the Black Arrows Coaching Team or want to become a qualified coach then Contact Us
Coaching News
UK Para Badminton Championship 2021 – Sheffield
Black Arrows Coach and GB Para Badminton Player Sharon Jones-Barnes took part in the UK Para Badminton Championships in Sheffield on the 10-12 December 2021. Sharon took part in all 3 events, singles, doubles, and mixed events, where she was crowned champion in all...
Black Arrows Founder & Chairman receives BEM award at Westminster Abbey
Black Arrows Founder and Chairman Henry T. Gaspard along with 130 other award recipients collected his BEM – British Empire Medal at Westminster Abbey on Monday 27 September 2021. The awards were presented by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater...