In their own words.

The Tran family · Grassroots journey

They started from scratch, and found their confidence.

When Izak and Alexis first walked into Elite Athlete Academy, they were complete beginners. No competitions, no history with the sport: just two kids, aged 8 and 12, picking up a racquet at social sessions for the first time.

“They were very new and just starting out, playing socials. It's good to just have someone to hit with.”

For their dad, Jimmy, the goal was never trophies. It was something deeper: health, wellbeing, and confidence that would carry into the rest of their lives.

“I want them to improve through this sport for their health and wellbeing, and to be confident in life.”

As the months went on, the change was unmistakable. The same two kids who started out just learning to rally became competitive, engaged, and sure of themselves, progressing all the way into our Junior High Performance program.

“A lot has changed. They're more competitive, more confident, more engaged.”

Time off devices. Better health. Kids who are genuinely happy in themselves.

“It brings health and wellbeing for the kids, builds real confidence, and they're happy with themselves. Improving their health is the most important thing. Being competitive is a bonus.”

His advice to other parents whose child is just starting out is simple, and it captures exactly what EAA is built for:

“Keep going. Getting them off their devices is a bonus, and their health is a huge benefit.”

Jimmy Tran, parent of Izak & Alexis · Junior High Performance

The Ling family · Confidence journey

They came to enjoy badminton again, and found their confidence.

When Wendy and Wayne first came to Elite Athlete Academy, they weren't looking for a podium. They were looking for a club where their daughters would want to turn up.

“Our girls were not very keen on training at their previous club, and we wanted to find a place where they could enjoy badminton again.”

What they wanted was straightforward: for Leah and Alison to keep training, get real opportunities to play, rebuild their confidence, and eventually feel comfortable competing. The first thing that struck them had nothing to do with coaching at all.

“One of the first things that surprised us was how they opened the courts according to the number of kids attending each session. It showed us that EAA was thoughtful about how they organised their training and made sure the kids had enough space and opportunities to train properly.”

Over the following months, the change was gradual and then obvious. The girls became more comfortable. They started enjoying training again. And the confidence they'd lost began to come back. But what stood out most to Wendy and Wayne was how the coaching team handled two very different children.

“The coaches treat every child equally, while also recognising that every child is different. Our two girls have very different personalities, different strengths, and different weaknesses. The coaches take the time to recognise those individual strengths and develop each child from there. They help each child understand what they are good at, and teach them how to use those strengths on court.”

That mattered enormously for one of their daughters, who had started to believe she simply wasn't gifted enough.

“She used to doubt herself and often felt that she couldn't do certain things because she didn't think she was as naturally gifted as some other players. But the coaches were patient with her. They continued to teach her, encourage her and work with her, even when things didn't come easily to her.”

“Slowly, she began to realise that she could do it. She became more willing to try and more confident in her abilities. The confidence that she had lost started to come back.”

For this family, that shift is the whole point.

“We are not expecting our girls to win every game. What matters to us is seeing them believe in themselves, enjoy the sport, and have the courage to keep trying even when something is difficult.”

Stepping up into Junior High Performance built on that, and not only on court. The structure of the program changed how the girls run their week.

“They have become more independent and responsible with their own time. They are learning to manage their training, school and other commitments. They are becoming more organised, more focused and more aware of what they need to work on. Off court, they are learning to be more disciplined and accountable for themselves. We really value this because we know these are skills that will benefit them far beyond badminton.”

Wendy Hwang & Wayne Ling, parents of Leah & Alison · Junior High Performance

The Vercruysse family · Elite pathway

From the state squad to the national stage.

When Mei first brought Nils and Elin to Elite Athlete Academy, they were already strong players: part of the state squad, talented, and hungry for more. What they were missing wasn't talent. It was the environment to turn that talent into a complete athlete.

At EAA, the training stepped up in ways that went far beyond the court. The coaching team built out their strength and conditioning and, just as importantly, the discipline that surrounds elite sport: how they study, how they eat, how they carry themselves when no one is watching. How to live as a student-athlete.

“More focus on strength and conditioning, and general discipline off-court. Things like study habits and diet.”

The results followed. Elin reached the final of Girls' Doubles at the U15 Nationals, then placed 3rd in Mixed Doubles at the U17 Nationals. Nils finished 3rd in Boys' Doubles at the U19 Nationals and has progressed into the Senior High Performance program, competing at the level every junior dreams of reaching.

“Very focused, targeted training programs that are well communicated with parents, so we can give the right support outside of training hours.”

For Mei, the confidence to hand her children's development to EAA came down to the people. Coaches who had walked the path themselves as elite players, and who balanced genuine care with the firmness that serious athletes need.

“It was the coaches' experience as elite players, and their caring but firm attitude towards my kids.”

That partnership, with a positive culture inside the academy, transparency with families, and a program that includes the routines off the court as well as on it, is what kept the Vercruysse family at EAA through every level.

“A positive vibe and culture, transparent communication, and a clear program that also builds the routines outside of the badminton court.”

Mei Wan, parent of Nils & Elin · Senior High Performance