Frequently Asked Questions

Do you play singles or doubles?

We play doubles games at our sessions. There’s no pegboard or formal rotation system — players organise games informally and courteously throughout the evening.

What ages do you accept?

We welcome players aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit, and many members continue to enjoy badminton well into their retirement.

Do I need to register before visiting?

Yes — we ask all visitors to complete the short enquiry form on our Join page before attending. This helps us manage numbers and ensure a good experience for everyone. If we’re full, we’ll add you to the waiting list and let you know when a space opens up.

Can I visit before joining?

Yes, you can visit up to 3 times before deciding to become a member. The first session is free, and subsequent visits are £5 each.

Is there parking available?

Yes, parking is available at Hitchin Boys’ School Sports Centre. Additional parking can be found next to Christ Church on Bedford Road, which is free after 6 PM. For detailed parking information, visit our Venue & Directions page.

What equipment/clothes should I bring?

Wear comfortable sportswear and non-marking indoor shoes. Proper footwear with ankle support is crucial for safety on the court. Squash or badminton shoes are most suitable.

What kind of shuttles do you use?

We use Yonex Mavis 600 (medium speed), the same shuttle used in many local leagues. These provide excellent durability and consistent flight.

How many courts do you use?

We play on four courts, all located in the sports hall at Hitchin Boys’ School. Two courts are available from 7:30 PM for warm-up, with all four in use from 8:20 PM to 10:00 PM.

Do you have club rules?

Yes, you can find our club constitution here. It outlines our commitment to providing a welcoming and competitive environment, detailing our aims, objectives, and rules governing club operations.

What are the membership fees?

Membership is currently £185 per year, paid quarterly. This covers all weekly club sessions, shuttles, court hire, and admin costs.

Do you play in leagues?

Yes — we enter teams in local leagues including Stevenage and Biggleswade. If you’re interested in playing competitively, speak to one of our captains or committee members. Matches are played from September to May, alongside regular club nights. Teams play home and away fixtures against other clubs in their division. A small match fee applies to help cover costs.

What is the membership cancellation policy?

We ask that members give at least one month’s notice before their next renewal date if they plan to cancel. This helps us manage court space and finances more effectively.

Do you have club shirts?

Yes! We offer official Icarus Badminton Club shirts that members can purchase. They’re not required for regular club nights, but many members wear them during league matches or tournaments to show club spirit.

You can order your shirt through our official online shop. Various sizes and styles are available, and orders are shipped directly to you.

Can I see the club’s financial records?

Yes — a summary of the club’s income and expenditure is presented at the AGM each year, and any member is welcome to review it.

We maintain a shared OneDrive folder where committee-reviewed financial records are stored, including:

• Income and expenditure summaries
• Court booking receipts
• Shuttle and equipment invoices
• Subscription and match fee records

If you’d like access or have questions about the club’s finances, just speak to the Treasurer or any committee member.

Do you offer racket restringing?

No, we don’t provide racket restringing services, but we recommend Just Rackets at Letchworth Tennis & Squash Club.

Are we affiliated with Badminton England?

Yes, our club is affiliated with Badminton England, which provides members with insurance coverage, competition opportunities, and access to official rankings.