When the Badminton Museum met Freya Redfern
The YONEX All England Badminton Championships remain one of the most prestigious tournaments in world badminton. Each year the event brings together the best players, coaches, volunteers, and fans in Birmingham. The atmosphere inside the arena reflects both elite competition and more than a century of sporting history.
During the 2026 Championships, the Badminton Museum had the opportunity to speak with Freya Redfearn. Freya has represented England internationally and built an impressive career through the national system. She also spent time at the Championships as a volunteer, offering a unique perspective on the event from behind the scenes.
In this conversation with Mike from the Badminton Museum, Freya reflects on her early experiences in badminton, the influence of the sport’s heritage, and what the future of badminton in England could look like.
The Interview
What first drew you to badminton, and who influenced you most in your early playing years?
Freya: I started playing at school and immediately loved it. I had always played a lot of sport and enjoyed the competitive side. I began when I was around nine years old, which is later than some players, but there were many tournaments available for different levels and ages. I had some early success, which was very motivating when you are young. The coaches I had at Middlesex were a big influence during my early years. They helped develop my game before I moved into other training environments.
Looking back at your junior career, which moments stand out as defining points in your development?
Freya: Winning the Under 15 National Championships was a big moment. I was already part of the England squad but had not yet won a major title. That victory gave me confidence that I could compete with the top players.
Later in my junior career I was selected for opportunities connected with the World Junior Championships. That confirmed to me that badminton was something I really wanted to pursue seriously.
How did the history of the sport influence your motivation as you progressed as a player?
Freya: Badminton has a strong history in this country. Many people play it recreationally, but there is also a deep competitive tradition. Knowing that history makes you proud to represent England and be part of that legacy.
It is a sport that many people feel passionate about, and that background makes you want to contribute to it. The All England Championships hold a special place in badminton history.
What does this event represent to you personally?
Freya: I have been coming to the All England since I was about ten years old. I still remember the first time I came and watched the players. Seeing badminton played at that level with such an incredible atmosphere was very inspiring. It makes you want to be on that court one day. It really motivates young players.
Were there any historic players who inspired you while you were developing your game?
Freya: I was a big fan of Tai Tzu Ying from Chinese Taipei. Watching her play here over the years was fascinating. She moved from being outside the very top of the rankings to becoming world number one. Watching that journey was very inspiring.
This year you experienced the All England Championships as a volunteer rather than as an Athlete or Spectator, What was that like?
Freya: I really enjoyed it, although it is hard work. You realise how much effort goes on behind the scenes. As a player you often do not think about that. You arrive and everything runs smoothly.
When you volunteer you see how many different teams and roles are involved. Everyone is passionate about doing a good job and making the event successful.
What did volunteering allow you to see that players might not normally notice?
Freya: The biggest thing is how many different areas work together. I spent time around event control, the field of play, media operations, and athlete services.
All those departments work together to deliver the event. Their work makes the competition easier for the athletes and a better experience for spectators.
What advice would you give to young players who want to get involved in badminton?
Freya: I would recommend badminton to anyone. There are competitions for many different levels and age groups. If you want to play for fun there are plenty of clubs, and if you want to compete there are lots of tournaments available.
For me it has been a very rewarding journey. It has also helped me grow as a person and those experiences stay with you.
What do you think the future of badminton in England looks like over the next ten years?
Freya: The rackets were very different from what we use today. They were much heavier than modern rackets. It is fascinating to see how equipment has developed over time. It gives you a real appreciation for how the sport has evolved.
You had the chance to see some of the Badminton Museum artefacts today. What struck you about the historic equipment?
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Why do you think preserving badminton history through museums is important?
Freya: Looking at the history of the sport can be very inspiring. Seeing how badminton has developed helps people understand where it came from. If young players can see that history and connect with it, it might motivate them to pursue the sport further.
If a young player reads this interview in the Badminton Museum in twenty years’ time, what message would you want them to take from your journey?
Freya: Enjoy every moment of it. A sporting career goes by very quickly. There will be highs and there will be challenges. If you take in the experiences and learn from them, the journey is incredibly rewarding. Those lessons stay with you long after competition finishes.
About Freya Redfearn
Freya Redfearn began playing badminton at school at the age of nine. What started as a simple introduction quickly developed into a serious sporting journey. Early success in junior tournaments helped fuel her motivation, and strong coaching support at Middlesex played an important role in her development.
Her junior career included a major breakthrough when she won the Under 15 National Championships. That result helped confirm her place among England’s emerging players and led to further opportunities within the national system, including selection pathways towards the World Junior Championships.
As a senior player, Redfearn trained at the national badminton centre in Milton Keynes for six years. Highlights of her career include competing at the Commonwealth Games and winning the English National Championships after finishing runner up for three consecutive years. These achievements marked significant milestones in a long and demanding sporting journey.
Despite stepping away from full time competition, she remains passionate about badminton and hopes to continue contributing to the sport in the future.
