9 July, 2024
Within the phrases of one of many bands he used to tour with, William Brown’s achievements in badminton have been ‘Going Underground’ for too lengthy.
The 72-year-old has been volunteering within the sport for greater than 30 years and has simply retired from his position as chairman of the East Sussex Junior Badminton Affiliation, which he co-founded 20 years in the past.
Throughout his 14 years as chairman, he took on many roles throughout the membership, dedicating his effort and time to creating the juniors.
“If you’re volunteering and serving to out, you’re feeling such as you’re contributing and doing one thing actually good,” he mentioned.
“I not too long ago helped out within the Kent Incapacity Event – it’s simply admin, directing individuals and customarily serving to out – however you actually really feel such as you’ve contributed one thing worthwhile.”
And all through his time with ESJBA, Brown made loads of worthwhile contributions, from being match referee on the Championships, assistant and lead coach, secretary, compliance officer, baby welfare officer, web site administrator, funding and grants and treasurer.
“I used to be made ESJBA chairman by default, actually, as a result of no one else needed to do it,” he mentioned.
“In my time main the organisation, we managed to realize Premier standing as a membership, organise annual tournaments and particular occasions and we now have additionally been very profitable with grants.
“Due to these grants and having a industrial sponsor for 12 years, we now have been in a position to supply low-cost coaching classes to the children.”
Congrats to this month’s @babolatuk group highlight William Brown!
After 20 years since co-founding the ESJBA and 14 years of being Chairman, William Brown is retiring. pic.twitter.com/XemEFlL3tt
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) July 1, 2024
From profitable badminton awards as a teen within the Nineteen Sixties, Brown turned a coach in 1989 and has remained concerned with the game, teaching and being a committee member with Kent Badminton for 14 years earlier than establishing ESJBA.
In the course of the Seventies and 80s, he was touring the world with rock bands together with The Jam, Iron Maiden and Skinny Lizzy as a sound engineer.
However even throughout these years, he would hunt down a technique to keep concerned with the game and all the time included his prized possession in his baggage.
“Throughout that point touring, I truly toured my badminton racket,” Brown added. “I needed to carry it in a particular case so it wouldn’t get broken and will include me.“I might play the military sports activities individuals wherever I used to be, discover some sports activities services and discover opponents to play.
“I performed on Ascension Island in 40 levels plus simply in my underwear – not a reasonably sight!”
Throughout Brown’s time with ESJBA, he has inspired many mother and father to become involved as coaches, assistants, treasurers and helpers, committing lots of of hours of his private time to working the organisation.
As he steps away from ESJBA, he is not going to be stepping away from the game as he continues to play within the over 70s for Sussex and has already gained a trophy this yr in his native league.
Away from badminton, he’s fortunately married for 43 years to Valerie and he’s a member of The Handlebar (Moustache) Membership.
He has traded the rock ‘n’ roll life-style for the large display and has been starring as an additional in movies together with Harry Potter, Paddington and the Muppets, one thing he hopes to proceed to do extra of.
ESJBA Vice Chairman Martin Bilton mentioned: “On behalf of lots of of gamers and oldsters, ESJBA wish to say a heartfelt thanks to William for his years of dedication and need him (and his spouse Valerie) all the very best for the years forward.”
