In a bid to elevate the standards of GB Para badminton, the Home Nations Elite initiative, a series of training camps, kicked off in July 2023 and concludes in March 2024. The project is managed by Badminton England, with Scotland and Wales joining forces in this collaborative effort, reinforcing a united front in Para badminton development.

Emma Stoner, an SL 4 player from England, underscores the significance of training and competing against other para players in a professional environment. "It is great to be able to train and play against other para players. It's also good to get more one-to-one attention with individualized training programs and receive valuable feedback," she emphasizes.

The UK Para Badminton Working Technical Group, a key player in shaping the Home Nations Elite initiative, convenes regularly to strategize. Coaches, integral to the success of the camps, return to their home nations equipped with increased knowledge and a broader understanding. This collective effort enhances the players' training experience and better prepares them for international competition.

"I really enjoyed working on the Home Nations Elite camps; coming together as a closely-knit group to collaborate on specific areas was truly rewarding," expresses Martin Drabble, Para badminton coach from England. "It was great to see everyone support and motivate each other, pushing for improvement and genuinely desiring the best for one another."

Looking forward, GB's Para Badminton aims to extend the project by organizing longer camps, but less frequently. Martin Drabble proposes the possibility of organizing fewer, yet extended, four-day camps. This approach would allow for increased attendance and reduced travel time for players, facilitating a more comprehensive and focused training experience.