Our Coaches
Ray Rofe - Head Coach
Ray has a long and distinguished history within the sport of Badminton. He started playing at the age of 11 and represented the famous Dartford YMCA club in competition, and went on to play for Kent in all disciplines at all age levels. This led to selection for England schools.
Ray was then selected for England at various levels, culminating in 7 full caps for his Country – again playing in all disciplines.
His tournament wins include 22 Kent Restricted titles (a record), a plethora of Open Doubles titles, a “Double Double” of All England junior Doubles titles in Level and Mixed in consecutive years, plus National Open titles in Jersey, Belgium, Portugal and Ireland. These were then followed at Over 40s level by the English National Singles title and 5 titles in the Spanish National Veterans.
Turning his hand to coaching, Ray trained England squads at U-18, U-16 and U-14 levels. He has coached 12 England players from a young age to National level, 5 of whom have gone on to gain caps in the full Senior team; and he has also coached 2 Olympians. During his time in Spain, he coached 6 National Juniors. An unusual addition to his C.V was coaching the British Army for 7 years.
In total, Ray has played and coached to an elite standard in 25 countries around the world.
Nigel Perry - Level 2 Coach
Nigel was heavily involved in the creation of AIT Junior Badminton, having had previous experience in running, promoting, and expanding a junior club. A C.V including ongoing CPDs from Kings College (Understanding ADHD) UoK (Understanding Autism) UoS/CIMA (Musculoskeletal System) and UEA (Youth Mental Health Awareness) aligned with a short course CPD in Sports Nutrition enables the club to attract and coach a diverse intake of junior players. A competitive background in Kent BAR TT racing has resulted in an interest in cross – sport training techniques. He is currently studying Sports Psychology. Nigel has qualifications in Sports Nutrition Training, Understanding ADHD, Youth Mental Health: Helping Young People with Anxiety, Understanding Autism and The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying active into old age.
As well as playing a full part in coaching, Nigel also oversees the transition of the club’s Juniors into the Senior section of the club. He has been active in both Kent and Sussex for about 10 years.
Aaron Perry - Level 2 Coach
Aaron began playing Badminton at the age of 14 and was very soon playing a minimum of 4 times per week. Several local competition titles followed in both Kent and Sussex, along with selection for the local Senior league teams. Division league titles were quickly added, and Aaron qualified for his coaching badges as soon as he was eligible to take them. He coached sessions for a National leisure centre before taking further education. Aaron has represented AIT in the Premier Division and currently plays for Reading University.
Emily Mercer - Level 2 Coach
Emily has been playing badminton since the age of 13 and played regularly in the local leagues before becoming captain of Lincoln University Ladies Badminton team. She became a Level 2 Coach in August.
Shelagh Barker, Level 1 Coach
Shelagh has played league badminton for 40 + years in the Tunbridge Wells, Orpington, Medway and Rainham leagues. She currently plays for AIT Seniors and has been fixtures secretary for more years than she cares to remember. She is also a TWBL committee member.
Lucy Satterford – Level 1 Coach
A Kent County player, Lucy competes regularly on the National tournament circuit and has over 25 medals in her collection in Doubles, Singles and Mixed Doubles.
Emma Kennedy – Level 1 Coach
Emma has represented Kent County across 3 age levels, and has achieved selection for several Inter Regional tournaments.
Ciara Aylott - Level 1 Coach
Ciara is a regular first team player for both AIT and has represented Kent at U-18 level.
Bhavana Ratakonda - Level 1 Coach
Bhavana has represented Kent County in Singles competition, and has had several successes in tournaments across the South East.