WILTSHIRE will be one of 40 counties represented at the Harrod Inter-Counties Badminton Tournament in Nottingham next month, when the cream of young talent from around the country will be on display, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

It will be the first time Wiltshire have entered the event at Nottingham University in five years, with players from the Swindon, Mid-Wilts and Salisbury districts all taking part.

Wiltshire will enter a team in the Under 17 age group for the four-day tournament, which runs from March 27-30.

The county are currently looking for potential sponsors to help finance a new strip for the squad of five girls and five boys, and are looking to raise in the region of £800.

Wiltshire press officer Simon French said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the cream of our juniors to show off their skills on the court.

"With all the bad press the youth of today has to suffer, it would be fabulous to promote the dedication and commitment these girls and boys have shown.

"All the youngsters are dedicated players who practice three days a week at club and county training sessions, and who travel all over the South West to play in national ranking tournaments."

Anyone wishing to sponsor the county squad should contact Wiltshire Badminton Development Officer, Mary Woodman on 07921 078905 or email: mary.woodman1@btinternet.com.