About US
The Pride Power Shots is a Queer social badminton group focussing on queer women, trans and intersex people. It’s organised by the Western Swifts Badminton group to give space for LGBTQIA+ community members that have historically faced significant exclusion and discrimination within sports and lack of access to safe places to exercise.
To provide a fun, safe and accessible community group for our members. We want to act as a third space for meeting new people, getting active and learning some new skills.
Our Mission
Why Badminton?
Badminton is a great sport for inclusion for any skill levels and abilities. It’s easy to get benefits from it early on, especially with training movement skills like balance, accuracy, coordination, agility and speed which can often be neglected in most modern fitness routines. It’s versatile as you can play the game slow and leisurely or fast and competitively. It encourages rapid strategy, planning and reflexes- the perfect brain and body workout! You can play badminton solo in singles games or with a partner in doubles as a team sport.
Session Details
We hold our sessions at The Rise in Maylands at 6-8pm every Friday. We have one or two courts we reserve, look for the Pride Power Shots banners when you enter the venue gym!
Frequently Asked questions
Do we need to bring our own badminton gear?
No, we provide shuttlecocks and racquets to use! Just bring some comfortable clothes to work out in and some supportive shoes to move in.
Do I have to sign up anywhere?
Before the session we ask that you RSVP with a link that gets posted weekly on the Pride Power Shots Instagram and Whatsapp group chat so we can know numbers before the session. At the session there is a new member registration form to fill in then you’re good to go!
I have a disability. can I play?
Yes! We welcome inclusive forms of playing here. We have multiple members with disabilities, and we’re committed to making sure you can play in a way works best for how your body moves, what doesn’t cause unnecessary pain and meets your needs and goals. We’re not officially trained in para-badminton but we’re inspired by it to compete and train in equitable and considered ways.
Can allies attend?
Yes, but there must be an understanding that this space is specifically centred around queer women, trans and intersex people. An attitude of support, humility and respect towards these group is expected.
Do I have to have previous experience with badminton?
Not at all, we can provide coaching and tips on how to play! Any skill level is welcome, let us know if you’d like help and no problem if you’d prefer to learn at your own pace instead.
How do the sessions run?
We start with warming up by just hitting the shuttle around in pairs on half of the court then we focus on games or try learning some specific skills and practicing accuracy. On the first session of the month we have coaching to hone our skills further. The sessions can move at any pace that works best for our players, nothing is compulsory.
Do I have to play for the full 2 hours?
No, you can play as much as you want and at your own pace, take as many breaks as you like!
Are there social events?
Yes! Every three weeks we go out to dinner after our sessions to a nearby restaurant. We plan social events and gatherings every few months with the larger Western Swifts and some specific Pride Power Shots events.
Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy
We expect our members to be kind, accepting and welcoming to others regardless of identity, skill level or ability. We play with an attitude of patience, gentleness and respect. Any harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse will not be tolerated, members will be asked to leave/be banned from the sessions if they break this policy.
If you are treated unfairly, you can report to the leader of the sessions, Eliya Kildahl on the day or through the Western Swifts Whatsapp or via Instagram DMs on the Pride Power Shots page or the Western Swifts Committee via email: info@westernswifts.com.au.
Let's Get
Social
