Bay of Plenty Badminton Association (BOPBA) is continuing its restructured junior development pathway for 2026. Instead of selecting teams first, we are forming two year-round training squads — Development and Elite — to build commitment, consistency, and long-term progression.
Junior Training Squads
Players will be invited into either the Development or Elite Training Squad based on trial performance, attitude, and potential. These squads run from February through to November and include weekly regional trainings and Sunday squad sessions in Tauranga.
Training Locations & Times:
Development Squad:
- Rotorua: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30pm
- Whakatane: Wednesdays, 5–7pm
- Tauranga: Thursdays, 6:00–7:30 pm
- Tauranga (Sunday Squad): 9am to 11am at QEYC Hall, Memorial Park, Tauranga
Elite Squad:
- Rotorua: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7pm
- Whakatane: Wednesday, 5 - 7pm
- Tauranga: Thursdays, 7:30 - 9pm
- Tauranga (Sunday Squad): 11am to 1pm at QEYC Hall, Memorial Park, Tauranga
Training Squad Trial Dates:
- U13 & U17 (born 2014 or later / 2010 or later): Sunday, 1st February 2026
- U15 & U19 (born 2012 or later / 2008 or later): Sunday, 8th February 2026
- Location: QEYC Hall, Memorial Park, Tauranga
- Start Time: 9:00am briefing, games from 9:30am to 1:00pm
Squad Fee: $500 (Covers all trainings, hall hire, and shuttles - 30 weeks of training = $16.66 per week).
When you register, you will be invoiced for a $100 deposit - when you are allocated into a squad, a further invoice for the balance will be emailed to you.
Junior Team Nationals trip cost to Palmerston North is separate.
We will also be looking to target some individual tournaments - BOP will organise transport//accommodation for these as we will endeavour to go as a squad (coach included). These tournament will be at the players cost.
Junior Team Nationals Trials (Held Later)
Selection for the NZ Junior Team Nationals will occur later in the season. Players actively engaged in the Development or Elite Squad will be prioritised for selection, but squad membership does not guarantee a place in a junior team but increases your chance.
Details of Junior Team Nationals trials, costs, and commitments will be shared by May.
What You Need to Do
- ✅ Register for trials using your existing login (If you played in 2025 or joined pre-season activities, use your existing email and password)
- ✅ New players: Click here to register
- ✅ Read the 2026 Development & Elite Squad Player & Caregiver Agreement and Selections & Appeals Policy
- ✅ Be prepared to commit to weekly trainings and squad expectations
- ✅ Attend a compulsory parent meeting prior to Team Nationals (date TBC)
Important Notes
- All junior players under 18 must be registered by a parent or caregiver.
- Late payment of player fees will incur a 10% penalty.
- Players selected for a squad must complete the Medical Form and return the signed squad agreement.
Contact
For any queries, please contact: Donald Koh | donald.koh@bopbadminton.co.nz | 027-218-3147
