The four courts set up at Horsham Basketball stadium were overflowing with children aged seven to 14.

Long-time badminton players Helen Francisco and John O’Dwyer put the participants through their paces.

Francisco said there was certainly some talent on display and the program went well.

“It was just to show the children another sport that is out there for them to play,” she said.

Francisco has helped with the running of sports assembly badminton workshops in the past.

She said participants always seemed to enjoy the sport.

“You can see them improve right from the start,” she said.

“We have some kids who struggle to hit the shuttle at the start and others who show more talent.”

While O’Dwyer coached the more advanced players through a series of exercises and games, Francisco took charge of teaching the beginner group fundamental skills. 

“If you can’t serve a shuttle then you are going to struggle to hit it,” she said.

“So that’s where we start with the younger ones.”

Franciso said people who played other racquet sports often picked up badminton quickly.

“Hopefully some of the children enjoyed themselves so much that they will come and play more regularly,” she said.

Program organiser Matt Friedlieb said the chance to lure new recruits was what attracted clubs to participate in the different holiday programs during the year.

“The idea is to get people not usually involved in sports to play,” he said.

“The clubs keep coming back to us and asking when the next program will be.”

The holiday program continues on Thursday with basketball and volleyball.

Ten-pin bowling draws the program to a close on Friday.