General

Daniel Mcmillan (left) and Joe Scott (right) top of the podium in Finland (Photo: Private)
Joe Scott: "I love the competitiveness"
Date: 5/7/2019 9:31 AM
Published by : Alan Raftery
When tasked with writing an article on a future star, I could look no further than a young talent at my local club ‘David Lloyd’ in Coventry, England. And that is 14-year-old from Leamington Spa, Joe Scott. 

Taking some time to get to know the young Badminton star, who is already turning heads in England, we firstly asked how he got into Badminton? Scott explained

-I was about 7 years old. My brother played Badminton at a local club, and one time I was at a session that wasn’t very busy so I asked if I could join in. I was allowed to have a hit with the older kids, which was fun.

-Then eventually was invited to play in the county session. I remember I didn’t enjoy it at first, I think it was because I didn’t want to do the skipping. But then started liking it and going every week. 

It is always fascinating to learn about the ways Badminton players first picked up the game. It can be a small seemingly insignificant moment that sparks their love for the sport. 

Speaking to Scott’s coach Darren Walker offered an insight into the young star’s progress.

-His physical size and strength always gave him a good advantage on the court. Over his first year of more intense training, his passion for the game and hard work on and off the court began to pay off. 

A proud moment
Despite being so young, Scott has won tournaments on the European circuit, namely three gold medals at the Irish Open and a successful Finnish Open (pictured above), where Joe and partner Daniel Mcmillan romped to victory without losing a single game, beating higher ranked players along the way. Scott says the most satisfying finals win was at the Dutch Open, against a strong French Men’s Doubles pair. He explains

-We were 19-17 down in the decider and we managed to turn it around. I remember shouting and celebrating the win.

Despite these high profile victories. Scott adds that the most special moment was

-Getting selected for the Europeans last year. I didn’t win, but it was a proud moment for me to represent England reaching the round of 16 in the singles.
 
You do get ‘taxied’ a few times
To add to his very busy schedule of tournaments and training, Scott also has been playing in the local senior league. Asking about how he has adjusted to this new challenge, Scott replies

- It’s a lot harder. It’s completely different, because you get some players who have a really odd styles, you really do not know what it going to happen. So, you do get ‘taxied’ (tricked to move the wrong way) a few times. But I have gained a lot of experience of what to do on crucial points and avoiding certain mistakes. 

It is without doubt that Scott has plenty of potential. Asking about his future goals, he says

-I obviously want to be world number one and reach the Olympics. But if we are looking 4 or 5 years ahead, I would like to be a full-time player in the national set-up. And would be aiming to medal at the U-17 and U-19 European Championships, as well as improving my ranking all the time. 

Coach Darren Walker supplements these aspirations by saying

- His inner drive and determination to reach the top has made him a pleasure to work with over the years, and now he is recognised as one of the top players in his own age group. Always looking to push himself to the next level, and importantly staying very humble when successful.

Never going to quit
Lastly, a fun question. I asked Joe Scott what he loves about Badminton. He responded with

-I love the competitiveness of it, I enjoy winning. But when you lose, you enjoy working harder to beat that player you have lost to. So, you are never going to quit until you have beaten every singles player.
 
-Also making lots of friends on the circuit from different countries is great. We stay in touch through Snapchat. This is why I really enjoy team events because you play for more than yourself, and can support your team mates. I am known for being quite loud when I am supporting my team. Just just the other week at my first Inter Counties Tournament, where we won for Warwickshire. 

Joe Scott is a most definitely a European future star to keep an eye on.

©badmintoneurope.com. All rights reserved.

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