JUNIOR PROGRAMS
Wayside Athletic Club offers exciting badminton classes for juniors of all ages and skill levels, from 5 to 22! Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your game, we have a class for you. Beginners can learn the basics like swings, footwork, and rules, while more experienced players can refine their skills and take their game to the next level. All levels except beginner require an evaluation before signing up for a clinic. Join us and be a part of our badminton community! Scroll down to learn more about our junior badminton programs.
Looking to receive member pricing for badminton programs only? Check out our junior badminton membership below.
Fall 2026 Junior Badminton
Train. Develop. Compete.
The Wayside Athletic Club Junior Badminton Program, powered by HelloBirdie Badminton, provides a progressive training pathway for junior players of all levels—from beginners learning the fundamentals to athletes preparing for competitive tournament play.
Our coaching team focuses on developing proper technique, footwork, movement, consistency, confidence, and strong training habits in a positive and challenging environment.
Fall programs begin August 31, 2026.
Choose Your Training Level
Hatchlings
Foundation / Beginner Development
Hatchlings is our foundation-level program, focused on building proper badminton fundamentals. Players develop technique, footwork, movement, consistency, and good training habits while building confidence on the court.
Fall Sessions
Fall I: August 31 – October 25, 2026
Fall II: October 26 – December 20, 2026
Weekly Class Schedule
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30–7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–7:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00–2:30 PM |
Training Commitment
Families may choose the number of training days per week that best fits their schedule and goals.
For students interested in progressing toward competitive badminton, frequency and consistency are extremely important. We strongly encourage multiple training days per week for players pursuing the competitive pathway.
Fledglings
Intermediate Development
Fledglings builds upon the fundamentals developed in Hatchlings, with greater emphasis on footwork, shot quality, consistency, movement patterns, and preparing players for higher-level training.
Fall Sessions
Fall I: August 31 – October 25, 2026
Fall II: October 26 – December 20, 2026
Weekly Class Schedule
| Day | Time |
| Tuesday | 7:00–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 1:00–2:30 PM |
Training Commitment
Fledglings players are required to attend a minimum of two classes per week.
Consistent attendance allows players to develop the repetition, technique, and movement skills necessary to continue progressing through the junior badminton pathway.
Ravens
Club-Level Play & Competition
Ravens is designed for players ready for more advanced and structured training.
Training places an increased emphasis on technical development, footwork, tactical awareness, consistency, and preparation for club-level badminton competition.
Fall Session
August 31 – December 20, 2026
Ravens will run as one continuous fall session rather than being divided into Fall I and Fall II.
Weekly Class Schedule
| Day | Time |
| Tuesday | 7:00–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 1:00–3:00 PM |
Training Commitment
Ravens players are required to attend a minimum of two classes per week.
Players interested in advancing into the Falcons competitive program are encouraged to train more frequently whenever possible.
Falcons Competitive Teams
Falcons 1 • Falcons 2 • Falcons 3
The Falcons Competitive Teams are designed for junior athletes ready to make a higher commitment to badminton training and competition.
Unlike our other junior programs, Falcons teams are available by coach recommendation only.
Placement is based on several factors, including:
- Technical ability
- Age and development
- Training habits
- Commitment
- Competitive goals
- Coachability
- Overall readiness for the demands of competitive team training
Families interested in the competitive pathway are encouraged to speak with a HelloBirdie coach about their child’s development and what they should work toward for future Falcons placement.
Coach Recommendation Required – Online Registration Is Not Available
Fall 2026 No-Class Dates
Please note that there will be no regularly scheduled junior badminton classes on the following dates:
| Dates | Reason |
| September 5–7 | Northwest ORC |
| October 10–12 | Northeast ORC |
| November 25–27 | Thanksgiving Break |
Please plan your fall training schedule accordingly.
How Often Should My Child Train?
Choosing the Right Training Schedule
Not every child needs or wants to pursue competitive badminton—and that’s perfectly fine.
Our goal is to help each family choose a program and training schedule that matches their child’s interests, goals, and desired level of commitment.
For players whose goal is recreational development, fewer weekly training sessions may be appropriate.
For players interested in eventually participating in competitive or tournament badminton, training frequency matters.
Badminton is a highly technical sport. Developing proper technique, footwork, timing, movement, and consistency requires repetition.
In general, players who train consistently and multiple times per week will progress considerably faster than players who attend only occasionally.
Our coaches can help you determine the appropriate training commitment based on your child’s goals.
Not Sure Which Program Is Right?
We’re happy to help.
Choosing the appropriate training level is important for both your child’s development and their enjoyment of the sport.
If you’re unsure whether your child belongs in Hatchlings, Fledglings, Ravens, or should be working toward the Falcons competitive program, please contact the HelloBirdie coaching team for assistance with placement.
Contact the HelloBirdie Coaching Team
We look forward to another great season of junior badminton at Wayside Athletic Club!
HELLOBIRDIE BADMINTON PROGRAM POLICIES
I CLASS
A. Registrations
- A Wayside account is required. Membership is not required.
- Beginner, intermediate, and high school group students will register through the Wayside Portal.
- Team groups (Falcons, Sparrowhawks, Ospreys, Ravens) register via
Google Form to declare known tournament absences.
a) Submission of the Google Form constitutes registration and
commitment for the session. - Students may enroll mid-session if space permits. Tuition will be pro-rated
and processed by HelloBirdie staff. - All tuition and fees must be paid prior to the start of the first class
- All sales final. There is no transfer of credits unless there is a valid doctor’s note.
B. Schedules
- Classes run from September to June, closely following the public-school year calendar.
- The year will be split into three (3) sessions – fall, winter, and spring. Duration of each session will be determined by HelloBirdie Coaches and the Badminton Director.
- Scheduled no class dates will be determined based on Public School holidays and tournament schedules.
- These classes are not included in the tuition so students will not need to have make-up classes for these.
C. Class Cancellations
- Cancellations due to instructor or Wayside matters will be rescheduled or credited back to the students’s Wayside account.
- There is no cash value
D. Student Cancellations and Make-ups
- Absences must be reported at least 24 hours in advance by email or text to be eligible for a make-up.
- Same-day illness must be reported before class start time. Notices after class begins are not eligible.
- Schedule changes (e.g., Monday group to Wednesday group) are allowed only within the first two weeks of the session.
- Each student receives three (3) free reschedules per session. Additional reschedules incur a fee:
a) Hatchlings: $5b) Fledglings, High School: $10c) Team Levels: Rescheduling fees and approval are at the sole
discretion of the coach.5. Make-up classes must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and are
subject to availability.
E. Injury and credits
- A. Credits are issued only for significant injuries supported by a doctor’s note
indicating:
1. Second-degree sprains or higher
2. Fractures or broken bones
3. Hospitalization
4. Surgery
B. Medical documentation must be issued by a licensed U.S. doctor or hospital.
C. Approved credits are issued to the Wayside account only and have no cash
value.
F. TEAM POLICIES
- Team-level athletes may not train with other badminton coaches or academies
within Massachusetts. - Athletes who violate conduct expectations during training may be removed from
practice for the day without make-ups or credits. - Falcons, Sparrowhawks, and Golden Ospreys athletes must meet defined
physical performance standards. - Athletes are evaluated regularly. Failure to meet standards may result in
reassignment to a lower training group.
II. WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER VACATION PROGRAMS/CLINICS
A. Registrations
- A Wayside account is required; however, membership is not required.
- Tuition must be paid in full prior to program start.
B. Scheduling
- 1. Schedules are set based on school vacations and tournament calendars.
2. Vacation program and clinics are separate from seasonal tuition and are not
prorated.
C. Class Cancellations
- Program-initiated cancellations will be rescheduled or credited to the Wayside account.
- No cash refunds.
D. Student Absences & Make-Ups
1. Absences must be reported 24 hours in advance for make-up eligibility.
2. Same-day illness must be reported before the program start time.
3. Make-ups must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
E. Injury and credits
- Same injury and documentation requirements as Group Classes apply.
PRIVATE LESSONS
A. Registrations and Payment
- A Wayside account is required.
- Non-members must pay in full before the lesson.
B. Scheduling
- Please reach out to hellobirdie@waysideathleticclub.com to schedule
C. Cancellations
- Cancellations need to be made at least 24 hours prior to the start of
- Same-day cancellations incur a 50% charge, unless supported by a qualifying medical note.
- Medical documentation must be issued by a licensed U.S. doctor or hospital.
JR BADMINTON MEMBERSHIP
This membership gives member pricing on badminton programs, and lessons and allows open play.
12-month commitment
Available for students ages 5 to 18.
No other access to the club (i.e. fitness room, indoor & outdoor pool, exercise classes, etc.)
Register the membership in your child’s name, not your name.
JOIN NOW!GET IN TOUCH
Need more information on how to join our Junior Badminton program? Contact Eva or Nick by email.
