Built by high school students. Free for everyone.
We're a badminton nonprofit based in NC. Elite coaching, no cost, all ages.
A student's idea
became a nonprofit.
In our own schools, we found that many teachers and students didn't know what badminton was — a low-cost, low-impact sport you can play almost anywhere, from a gym to a backyard. It welcomes players of every age and every kind of mind, and it builds hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall fitness. A sport with those advantages shouldn't be overlooked.
What started as one Wake County high schooler's mission grew into Rookie Rackets, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, joined by many more like-minded students. Our goal is to keep widening that door, reaching more folks — all ages and abilities — across NC.
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Sessions are open to anyone. No experience or cost required.
Players of all ages leave the court excited about badminton.
We're building something in NC that keeps growing with every new face we meet.
Coach Mark, a practicing psychiatrist, shapes how we teach so kids stay engaged and keep learning.
Share our love of badminton with the community.
We provide free, all-inclusive workshops and demonstration sessions for players of every age, any ability, and any skill level, welcoming anyone who wants to pick up a racket for the first time.
Badminton for everyone — every age, every ability, every background.
A community where anyone can pick up a racket and fall in love with badminton, regardless of age, ability, or experience.
Coaching Background
Our coaches bring serious competitive experience and a love for teaching. We have won $1,000+ in open competitions.
Elite training paired with six years of beginner-first coaching. That combination is rare and comes in handy while coaching.
Our Coaches and Mentors include:
Meet the coaches
Eight coaches, all volunteers, all here because they love the sport.
Tap any card to learn more
Playing badminton for over seven years, Adithya founded Rookie Rackets to inspire kids to discover the joy of the sport and spread it through their communities. A Green Hope High School student, he turned a personal passion into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Three years of competitive badminton and national tournament experience. Aarav leads program planning and ensures every workshop runs smoothly from start to finish, making sure every participant has a great time on the court.
Five years on the court learning skills and strategy. Nikhil manages all social media and community outreach for Rookie Rackets, focused on introducing badminton to neighborhoods where most people have never picked up a racket.
Started hitting in the backyard and never stopped. Six years of experience and a genuine love for the game that he brings to every session. Nathan has a gift for teaching beginners the fundamentals in a way that sticks.
Picked up badminton during the pandemic and quickly reached #1 in the nation. Vihaan brings elite competitive energy to every workshop and wants younger players to find the same excitement and joy he discovered in the sport.
Passionate about badminton and coaching in the NC area. Yuancheng brings energy and enthusiasm to every session, helping new players build confidence with every rally.
Ishan brings a patient, encouraging coaching style that makes beginners feel comfortable picking up a racket for the very first time.
Coming soon.
What we stand for
Accessibility
Workshops are free. Equipment provided.
Inclusion
Open to players of all ages and all abilities.
Excellence
We bring the same focus to our workshops and camps that we bring to competition.
Community
We're building a badminton community in Cary.
More than a sport. Getting on the court builds more than fitness. Staying physically active is one of the most reliable ways to support mental health, and the game grows confidence, focus, and resilience along the way. We coach the whole player, not just the shot.
Ready to pick up a racket?
Sign up and we'll email you when sessions open in Cary, NC.