The 2026 All Schools Championships brought primary and secondary school students together to compete across a range of badminton divisions.
Held over four competition days, the Championships included Open and Second Divisions, giving schools with different levels of badminton experience the opportunity to compete outside their regular school competitions and represent their schools.
Teachers attending the Championships highlighted the opportunities the event gives students to play against different schools, spend time with their teammates and meet new people through badminton.
Kristen Hight, Director of Sport at Whitefriars College, said the school takes part every year and enjoys the opportunity the tournament provides for its students.
“We love this tournament. It gives our students another opportunity to participate and represent our college at badminton,” Kristen said. “It’s a high level competition, it’s a great standard, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Erin Walkley, a teacher from Maribyrnong College, also highlighted the social side of badminton and the opportunity for students to meet people from different backgrounds.
“You can get to meet lots of different people of all different backgrounds. So I think socially, it’s a great sport to get involved with as well,” Erin said.
The Championships also give students the chance to play against schools they may not usually meet. Erin said the competition is a good opportunity for students who train regularly to see how they have improved, while Whitefriars students can compete against schools outside their regular Associated Catholic Colleges competition.
For Kristen, some of the experience also happens away from the court. Training and competing together gives students more time to build friendships and spend time with their teammates.
Even the bus trip to a tournament can be part of the fun. The students put music on during the trip and sometimes stop at McDonald’s on the way home.
“It just brings opportunities for kids to see each other and hang out with each other outside of the classroom,” Kristen said.
Badminton can also provide another sporting option for students who may not usually take part in other school sports.
Erin described badminton as an accessible sport. With smaller courts, an indoor setting and different ways to play, it can be easier for more students to get involved.
Whitefriars introduces students to badminton from Year 7, and Kristen said many of them have never played the sport before. Some begin to enjoy badminton after trying it at school and later join local clubs around Donvale and Mitcham.
“Some of the kids pick it up and take it on, and it becomes part of their life, which is great,” Kristen said.
For students taking part, the Championships are another opportunity to play badminton, represent their school and enjoy the experience with their teammates.
