Gail Emms boards coaching staff for England

After a few years away from the sport, Gail Emms will make her debut as an official coach for Badminton England on a short term contract to look after the women’s doubles and young mixed pairs.

Emms, 36, said: “When I look back at my career and how important coaches were to me, I really want to give something back — and to mixed doubles in particular.

“I want to just try to help with my experience and the things I’ve learned in my playing career and try to mentor our young players. I’m here to work alongside the great coaches we have at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes and give a little bit of input.”

GB and BADMINTON England Performance Director Jens Grill said: “We are delighted to be able to draw on Gail’s experience. Everyone knows she has played badminton with great success at the highest possible level in both mixed and women’s doubles and is someone our young players can look up to and learn from. It is a great opportunity for them.

“We have engaged Gail on a short-term contract initially and her role will be to assist and support the national coaches and to share her experiences as a top player and instil in the younger squad members what it takes to get to the top.”