Badminton Scotland Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across Our Sporting Community
Badminton Scotland proudly celebrated the achievements, dedication, and passion of our remarkable community at the 2025 Badminton Scotland Awards. From volunteers and coaches to clubs and elite athletes, the awards recognised those who make badminton thrive in every corner of the country.
This year’s finalists and winners exemplify the spirit of inclusivity, ambition, and innovation that continues to elevate our sport. We congratulate every nominee and extend our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
Volunteer of the Year – Winner: Euan Murray
Volunteers form the heartbeat of our sport, and this award celebrates someone who has made an exceptional contribution within their club or community.
This year, commendations were presented to: Paul Duddy, Gail Spiers, Ryan McCaig, and Ally & Adrian King.
Our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Euan Murray, has shown outstanding commitment to both the Lanarkshire Badminton Group and the BASE Club. Balancing work and family life, he has fundraised tirelessly, supported players on and off the court, and continually found creative ways to keep badminton thriving. His enthusiasm, generosity, and passion embody the very best of our badminton community.
Community Impact Award – Winner: Smash Hits Glasgow
The Community Impact Award recognises a club or individual making a meaningful difference by breaking down barriers and reducing inequalities in participation.
Founded in 2021, Smash Hits Glasgow has created a vibrant, inclusive space where hundreds of people across the city have found connection, confidence, and community through badminton. Their commitment to wellbeing and accessibility has had a transformative impact. We are delighted to name them the 2025 Community Impact Award winners.
Community Coach of the Year – Winner: Stephen McCourt
This award honours a coach who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing athletes of all ages and abilities.
Commendations were awarded to: Andrew Durrand and Gordon Spence.
Our 2025 winner, Stephen McCourt, is a driving force in East Ayrshire’s badminton community. From nurturing young talent at Ayrshire Badminton Club to championing inclusive opportunities for adults with disabilities, Stephen’s passion shines in every session he leads. His commitment to growing the sport and improving lives through badminton makes him a truly deserving recipient.
Performance Coach of the Year – Winner: Kirsty Flockhart
This award recognises a coach who has made an outstanding impact on athlete development and performance.
Commendations went to Keith Turnbull and the Orkney Island Games Coaching Team (Tom Lambert, Bruce & Kirsty Flockhart).
Our winner, Kirsty Flockhart, has played a pivotal role in the Scottish Para Badminton Squad’s development. Her belief in her athletes, combined with her tireless dedication, has helped players flourish both on and off the court. Kirsty’s care, commitment, and expertise have transformed the athlete experience and inspired the squad throughout the year.
Masters Performance Athlete of the Year – Winner: Christine Black
This award celebrates a Masters athlete who has achieved exceptional performance and progression.
Christine Black’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. At the BWF World Senior Championships in Thailand, she secured a stunning triple gold across all three disciplines. Alongside her success, Christine served as Team Manager, organised the Scottish squad, and continued her leadership as a Board member and Chair of the Performance Committee. A true champion in every sense.
Disability Performance Athlete of the Year – Winner: Andrew Davies
This award recognises exceptional performance and development within disability badminton.
A commendation was awarded to Kevin Dobson.
Our winner, Andrew Davies, has demonstrated resilience, determination, and immense progress. Overcoming injury setbacks, he dedicated countless hours to training, culminating in two bronze medals at the European Para Badminton Championships in Turkey. Andrew’s drive and leadership make him an inspiring member of the Scottish Para Performance Squad.
Junior Performance Athlete of the Year – Winner: Matthew Waring
This award celebrates a junior athlete who has shown outstanding performance or improvement.
A special commendation was presented to Jaagruti Mannem for remarkable achievements across multiple national events.
Our 2025 winner, Matthew Waring, has made impressive strides on the international stage. His bronze medal at the European Junior Championships – Scotland’s first singles medal at that level since 2005 – marks a historic moment for our sport. Now transitioning into senior competition, Matthew continues to prove that Scottish juniors can excel on the European circuit.
Senior Performance Athlete of the Year – Winner: Kirsty Gilmour
This award honours an athlete who has demonstrated outstanding performance or significant improvement.
Commendations were awarded to Alex Dunn, Julie MacPherson, and Adam Pringle.
Our winner, Kirsty Gilmour, remains a standard-bearer for Scottish badminton. In 2025 she secured her fifth European silver medal and represented Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her professionalism, consistency, and leadership continue to inspire generations of players.
Club of the Year – Winner: Edinburgh Badminton Academy
This award recognises a club that has made a significant contribution to badminton development in its community.
A special commendation was awarded to Granite City Badminton Club.
Our 2025 Club of the Year, Edinburgh Badminton Academy, has become a powerhouse in the capital. Welcoming over 1,000 players each week and offering programmes from social sessions to high-performance training, the club’s inclusive, not-for-profit model reinvests directly into its community. Its commitment to development at all levels is shaping the future of badminton in Scotland.
President’s Award – Winner: Elaine Gray
The President’s Award honours a remarkable individual or team whose dedication has significantly advanced badminton in Scotland.
For more than 40 years, Elaine Gray has been a pillar of the Orkney Badminton Association. Her leadership reached new heights as Lead Coordinator for the badminton events at the 2025 International Island Games in Kirkwall. Managing 17 teams, organising over 50 volunteers, securing sponsorship, and ensuring full event livestreaming, Elaine delivered a world-class tournament that showcased Orkney and Scottish badminton on the global stage. Her contribution has been truly extraordinary.
Derrick Roarty Lifetime Achievement Award – Winner: Christine Black
This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to Scottish badminton. An unsung hero whose dedication has shaped the sport.
Christine Black’s lifelong commitment, leadership, and excellence have left an indelible mark on badminton in Scotland. In addition to her on-court success and organisational leadership, Christine has been a mentor, advocate, and driving force within the sport for decades. Her influence is felt across every level of our badminton community.
A Final Congratulations
Badminton Scotland is immensely proud of all our nominees, finalists, and winners. Your passion, commitment, and achievements continue to drive our sport forward and inspire players of all ages across the country.
Here’s to another fantastic year of badminton – and to everyone who helps make it possible.