The popular New Zealand Badminton League (NZBL) returns in 2022, taking shape in a smaller, condensed form – the Junior League. The three-day team event showcases twenty-four of New Zealand’s brightest U15 and U19 talent, across two divisions in a four team round robin and play-off event format.
Within each team tie, all six matches will be played best of five games to 11 points, with no extension if tied at 10 apiece. The six matches; Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and two Mixed Doubles will be hotly contested in this rapid-fire format. Just like the original editions of the NZBL, if the teams are tied at 3 matches apiece, coaches will select a Golden Game by process of elimination – for an 11-point game tiebreaker.
“Many of these junior players would have seen the NZBL live or on TV in the last couple years, now they have the opportunity to experience it's intensity and hopefully even a Golden Game!”
Accompanying each team are a number of coaches who either previously competed or coached in past NZBL seasons. These coaches will not only bring their first hand experience but also their insights into the recipe for team success.
Rikke Siegemund, NZ Head Coach comments, "The team structure is something that sets this event apart from many others, making new friendships and partnering with players from different associations. I think the teams who create a strong team spirit will do really well in the competition, and we will see the importance of how teams support each other."
All teams will be announced online and via social platforms (@nzbadmintonleague, @badmintonnewzealand) from Sunday 5th June.
The New Zealand Badminton Junior League runs from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th June, at Counties Manukau Badminton stadium.
