Once again Wales is present at the biggest stage attending the 2021 European U17 Championships, but for the Welsh players the setup is different from many others.

Surrounded by traditional badminton countries such as England and Ireland, Wales can easily be seen as the smaller brother of the two big nations. With most of the players ranked outside of top 800 on the world ranking, it is fair to say that Wales is facing challenges the neighbours do not.

- There is a big different. (In the other countries) it is a bigger sport than in Wales, and it would be nice if badminton would grow in Wales, Welsh U17 men’s singles, Harper Leigh stated.

Olympic motivation
Harper Leigh and the Welsh U17 team is currently attending the 2021 European U17 Championships in Podčetrtek, Slovenia, and for the young players there are important lessons to learn during events.

- It is a good experience for us players, because we normally do not get to attend such big events. It is good to see how other players are playing and to have a look at other countries, Harper Leigh stated.

Despite of representing a small badminton nation, the ambitions are big. The youngsters get valuable input attending the biggest tournament of their age group, and Saffron Morris has her eyes on one specific target.

- I want to go to the Olympics, and that motivates me, she underlined.

2036 Olympics?
Being born in 2007, the Paris 2024 Olympics does not seem like a realistic goal for young Saffron Morris, but the Los Angeles 2028, the Brisbane 2032 and even the 2036 Games, which are not allocated yet, might be realistic targets for the 14-year-old.

Her mixed doubles partner does not mention a specific target talking about his goals and aims. He has one focus: To develop as a badminton player.

- I want to improve, and I want to see how good I can perform in each tournament I play, Leigh said.

Remember that you can watch all matches from the 2021 European U17 Championships LIVE on www.badmintoneurope.tv.