Name, DOB and where you live.

Chris Allen     22/03/1982         Graigwen, Pontypridd

Discipline and partner

Club                                Mixed – Nicole Walkley                      Mens – Chris Pickard

Tournaments                Mixed (this season) Michelle Smith  Mens – Rhys Prichard (when he can play ha ha)

I only started playing tournaments again this season due to work commitments

How did you start playing badminton and when?

I started playing with my mother after school when I was 10/11 on a Monday and then played on a Friday night with Leighton Egan at Abercynon Sports Centre .

2 or 3 of your best achievements so far?

Playing Welsh International Badminton from the age of 14-20, Reaching 9 National Finals (1 Singles, 2 mixed, 6 mens doubles – all junior with Andrew Woodland, Gareth Walters, Richard Williams and Sian Jones), reaching the semi final at the Olve tournament in Belgium (narrowly losing to the winners in 3) and finally winning singles, doubles and mixed in my 1^st ever tournament in Ystrad Mynach Leisure Centre.

Favourite Mid Glamorgan moment?

Can’t say I remember much about Mid Glam Juniors – County was a bit disjointed at times in the 90’s. 1 memory was driving to Wiltshire on a minibus with the rest of the team and whitewashing them (15-0, but all very close games).

Interesting fact about yourself that not many people know about?

Not a lot of people know in the badminton world that I have a Grade 8 playing Piano.

Sporting heroes?

Alan Shearer – possibly the best out and out striker to ever play in the Premiership

Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen – Stayed at the top of his game for such a long time and to such an “old” age.

Goals for this season?

Continue to enjoy playing mens and mixed (maybe a few games of singles along the way). My main goal is to start improving again – I’ve been too content playing “averagely” for too long due to work and the birth of Noa. But now I’m playing more than once a week (out of season) I can feel the difference already – more of the same please Chris

Long term badminton goals?

None as such, just continue to enjoy playing as much as I can and maybe win a few league titles with Cardiff Nomads

How does it feel to be part of Mid Glamorgan Badminton?

 Not too bad, only just started back playing with Mid Glam, but so far so good – a few games would be nice