CENTER Parcs played host to one of the biggest school's tournaments in the country.

CENTER Parcs played host to one of the biggest school's tournaments in the country.

Team England Badminton players Nathan Robertson and Mariana Agathangelou led coaching sessions for pupils from Newmarket College, as part of the Center Parcs National Schools Championships.

The previous tournament, organised by Badminton England and sponsored by Center Parcs, saw a record entry of more than 1,000 schools and 15,000 children but the 2009/10 tournament smashed that record with the number of schools entering topping 1,400 and more than 19,000 children taking part.

Nathan Robertson said: “The kids had a great time and there were a couple who I think are going to go on and play some really good badminton.

“The boy's team has obviously made it through to the second round of the tournament and there's a good chance we might see them at the final weekend at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.”

Mariana added: “Competitions like this are so important for children and it's great to see that the number of schools entering continuing to go up. Badminton's a great sport and it's good to see more and more people getting into it.”

The national final of the tournament will be held at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Nottingham on April 24 and 25 and 36 schools will compete for title honours.

Schools wanting to find out more about the tournament should go to www.badmintonengland.co.uk/nationalschoolschampionships