Gabby Adcock’s career at Green Lane started in September 1994 when she started nursery. At the age of 7 her older sister Jessica was attending an after school badminton club run by the local badminton club. She went along to watch. As she was watching the coach asked her if she wanted a go so she picked up a racket and the rest, as they say, is history. Gabby left Green Lane in 2002 and went onto the local High School (now Garforth Academy) where Gabby continued to develop her skills. She went onto becoming a professional at the age of 16 and is now a double European and Commonwealth Champion. Gabby is now aiming for gold in Tokyo in 2020.

On 19th November Gabby returned to Green Lane to inspire the next generation and be part of the celebrations as Green Lane received a plaque confirming their status as a Centre of Excellence. The award was presented by Dan Wilson from Yorkshire Sport Foundation. We were also joined on the day by our Sports Club partners. The Centre of Excellence is recognition of our very active engagement with local sport and leisure groups as well as parents through our unique and innovative “Let’s Try…” programme.

Even the children in Early Years were outside with bats and balls and Gabby and Chris joined in with some very excited children. They also offered encouragement and coaching to some of the GLPA Monday lunchtime badminton club. The children who came will never forget it.

A whole school assembly followed where Gabby and Chris gave their top tips for success and answered questions posed by the school council on behalf of all the children.

Several school Governors were present including P.E Link Governor Steve Baker. Steve commented “Gabby and Chris seemed to really enjoy it, the smiles on their faces when playing Lily and Zoe showed how much they enjoyed it. It’s so great to meet two sports personalities who don’t take anything for granted. It’s been a really enjoyable event, and everyone associated with the school should be rightly proud of today’s event, and all the hard work and commitment that has gone before to achieve the Centre of Excellence.”

Governor Mark Wood added “The atmosphere around school today was amazing.”

This was a fantastic morning and one that we are extremely proud of.