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Published: 24 February 2008

Tim's Diary 9th - 14th February 2008

Tim MawerDAY 1: SATURDAY 9TH FEB
Arrived in Youna at 12:30pm to the shouts of "Tim" from the many villagers! Already playing in the hall was Samba and Small Moms who were training some very good younger children.

The hall looks well used and now in need of another re-paint. The usage of the Hall is every day for not just Badminton, but School activities like Assemblies and Exams. The marks on the wall from the children's hands and the hot weather has made the cream paint look very dated and marked. We also need a new net and only three Carlton FX rackets are in good condition.

Abu handed me the training records. I was surprised at the lack of information and lack of numbers at the training. Abu explained that Ramadan took out many and Saturdays had become a bad day, as many students are in school hence the training being moved to a Sunday.

Tamba arrived soon after with big smiles as always; I spoke about my sadness regarding the death of the Master and how I wished to re-start the project with a fresh start. Now that I am working alone on the project from the UK and Jerreh and Master are no longer around, it was important to look at what we wanted to achieve together and how we can do that.

From my point of view I wanted to introduce new players from Youna School and keep the training going with a view of the April and August trips involving UK players. Tamba, who has been given the role of the master was happy and indeed had already got some new players training at my previous phone request. We talked about improvements to the hall, in particular the provision of power. Two options are solar panels or a generator. The second is the cheaper option although an electrician will be required for installation and fuel will need to be provided each time. This is something we need to try and raise funds for over the next 18 months.

Things to put right in April to make a start will be provision of further rackets as provided by Carlton. Tape to re-do the lines and a new net. My final discussion with Tamba today concerned the sand/mess in the hall. I will provide new cleaning equipment and Tamba will arrange a weekly clean. Over all a very good meeting with positive future plans.

During my time away our existing players have been introducing the game to more Youna players. Today, I watched them play and was introduced to them. Their names are Assana, Patrick, Bilaly, Cherno, Abdoulie and Saidou - six boys all aged around 14 years. Their profiles and pictures will be added to the website shortly.

The evening I spent at Youna enjoying the new bar we have named Jacks. The evening was spent sat outside the Lincs, as we call it now, outside Am's Compound.


DAY 2: SUNDAY 10TH
After a fantastic breakfast this morning I ventured to Youna in Abu's roofless Jeep. I stood all the way in the sunshine; what a fantastic experience that was. I was delighted to find at Youna the hall was in the process of being cleaned by a group of boys including Saul. The hall looks so much better when it is cleaned. No Tamba today, his neighbour had passed away in the night.

Boys cleaning the hall

More suprising was the players in the hall playing the game. Maybe twelve of them, new players, mostly Youna Grade 8's and 9's. The standard and the way our Youna Boys Michael, Saul and Samba had taught them the game impressed me. Both Abu and myself were very happy about the new start. I called a meeting with our players new and old, explained my plans and starting tomorrow I am running a tournament for the new players to have a proper look at them.

Excellent day and a step in the right direction. All the new players had their picture taken and wrote me a profile to be added to the website. More bread and onion for afternoon tea.


DAY 3: MONDAY 11TH
The day started funny with Abu arriving in his jeep... being pushed as he had ran out of fuel Just short of the hotel! So, a delay occurred and a visit via a taxi to the petrol station at Tanji followed by a 100 mile-an-hour race to Youna. It was quite frightening but saw me arriving at Youna only 30 mins late.

I was very happy when I arrived at the hall as the boys had prepared it well, and I was later advised that Dominic was at the hall from 8:00 in the morning preparing the hall. All our new players were eager to go. So, we ran a singles tournament to allow me the opportunity to see the standard of our players. Groups of four with an eventual final between Assan and Cherno. Assan was the winner. We all had drinks afterwards.

I was pleased with the shots our new players used and their understanding of the game. My older players Michael, Moms Bah and Saul Silva have shown our new players good new skills. We had a presentation at the end with Tamba and Abu that was most delightful. Tamba gave a good speech and encouraged our new team to continue the training. Now where have I heard that before!

A pleasant evening was spent at Youna visiting the local bar to give them some custom.


DAY 4: TUESDAY 12TH
We nearly got here on time! This time Abu forgot the badminton bag so we had to go back to get it from his compound.

Today, we worked on doubles. I ran through the scoring system and positional play and allowed them to train and put it into practice. Then with the help of Samba and Michael we trained on the smash. Most of the players could hit the shuttle hard and as time went on started to gain some degree of control. As always the players are very keen and I am happy with the progress.

Again, another pleasant evening spent at Youna.


DAY 5: WEDNESDAY 13TH
We changed the training times so as no one would miss school. I arrived at Youna just after 11:00am. It was crazy. Everyone was at break and greeted me. It was very humbling for me.

The hall was prepared well and even Tamba was playing today. The players arrived on time and I had a good discussion with them about the future plans and their rewards if they train well. All seem very keen and happy. Michael, Samba and Moms today helped me teach the low serve and the high serve and the position required after the high serve. I talked about unforced errors in their game and the importance of minimising them. The serve worked well, I helped to change the techniques and all went well. We then ran a singles tournament. The scores have been recorded and will be added the website.

Time teaching the Team

Today is very hot, as hot as I have ever known it to be. The results from the singles competition will be posted on the website. After the training I went straight back to the Hotel changed my clothes and spent from 4:00pm until 11:00pm in Youna.

Firstly, I taught at the school, going into classes where the children asked me allsorts of questions about England. I then spent the evening with our players talking and having drinks and bread. I really enjoyed the evening. I spoke to Spanner at the local shop and asked if on my last night he will cook chips and bread for all. He agreed. As always, I was treated very well and felt very welcome.


DAY 6 THURSDAY 14TH
Arrived at Youna early again and most players were present. I went through the drop shot and provided training to improve the shot. We then had a doubles competition. Today, I provided some badminton books from Badminton England. I informed the players of their importance and that they should all take time to read and understand the documents. They will help to improve their own games for the future. Demba was sad because he lost his first game but I told him that if he works at his game then with time he could become the next best player. The doubles were won by Patrick and Abli.

My last night at Youna so I bought dinner for all. We had potatoes, oil, onions, corned beef and bread cooked by Spanner. We all had a great evening.


CONCLUSIONS
A thoroughly enjoyable trip. Great to see the enthusiasm of the new players. The kindness of Tamba and Abu. Looking forward to the April trip.

 

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