Nastya Ruban – Coddenham Community Supporting a Badminton Journey.

Anastasiia Ruban and her mother, Anya, came to the UK in May last year under the (Badminton) Homes for Ukraine scheme. They were lucky enough to be sponsored by Hilary Magnall, in Coddenham village, and to have the support of the Coddenham community.
Nastya, as she is more commonly known, is an outstanding 13-year-old badminton player, and aside from escaping the war in Ukraine, the main reason for wanting to come to Suffolk was the opportunity to continue her badminton. With the support of Hilary, some of her local friends, and several badminton parents and coaches, Nastya can train and play badminton several times a week.

Pivotal to Nastya’s development is the ability to have specific coaching on a 1-2-1 basis, and the Coddenham Centre reached out and offered the use of the centre for this purpose. Since her arrival, Nastya has been training weekly at the centre every Monday. This has undoubtedly helped enhance her progress, winning more badminton competitions and culminating in a Badminton England Ranking of #4 in December for her age group!

Although badminton is her passion, Nastya is also enjoying many other aspects of her life in Coddenham. She has fully settled into her new school at Debenham where she has made new friends and is studying new subjects and skills, including learning to play the guitar. Recently, Nastya had her first experience of a full English Christmas dinner, and her new favourite ‘food’ is gravy!

On a rare weekend when she is not playing badminton, Nastya and her mum also enjoy the countryside around the village, and can sometimes be seen walking Willow, Hilary’s dog. It is wonderful that Hilary, and the Coddenham community, have been able to provide such a safe, happy environment for Nastya to continue her life and dreams here in the UK.

The Coddenham Centre offers badminton facilities for all, including a local club. Contact us for details.

Nastya’s group training is at the Ipswich Badminton Performance Centre 2-3 times a week.  Further information can be found at www.ibpc.org.uk

       Photographs; Pascall How and Helen Thornton