BADMINTON England today named George Wood as the Association’s new Head of Development.

Wood, formerly the Association’s Coaching Manager, has been enticed back from Sport England and will start his new role on September 24.

He was with BADMINTON England for seven years until the summer of 2006 before joining Sport England as a Senior Client Manager within the National Sport Team.

BADMINTON England Chief Executive Adrian Christy said: “These are exciting times at the Association and we are delighted to have someone of George’s experience and enthusiasm for badminton taking on this important role.

“I’m delighted he has chosen to return to BADMINTON England. It shows we have plenty to offer. He is coming back with wider experience and that will only serve to make us stronger.”

Wood, who is a keen badminton player and coach, said: “I am extremely excited about taking on the role of Head of Development. Badminton has been a massive part of my life and I am passionate about its success.

“I am looking forward to working with the people at BADMINTON England and the whole badminton community to attract many more participants and to develop the structures that we have in England so that the right opportunities are available for all players.

“The 100 Point Plan sets out a fantastic vision for badminton in England and I can't wait to be part of the team implementing it and taking the sport to a whole new level."

He is the second former coaching manager to return to BADMINTON England in recent weeks. Martin Andrew, who held the role before Wood, has come back from coaching roles with BADMINTON Australia and BADMINTON New Zealand, to become Junior Performance Head Coach.

Copyright © 2007 Badminton England