Real families. Real journeys.
From a first rally to the national stage — this is what happens when talent meets the right environment.
These are EAA families, in their own words.
Nils & Elin's story — from the state
squad to the national stage
Mei Wan • State squad → Senior High Performance • Elite pathway
When Mei first brought Nils and Elin to Elite Athlete Academy, they were already strong players — part of the state squad, talented, and hungry for more. What they were missing wasn't talent. It was the environment to turn that talent into a complete athlete.
At EAA, the training stepped up in ways that went far beyond the court. The coaching team built out their strength and conditioning, and — just as importantly — the discipline that surrounds elite sport: how they study, how they eat, how they carry themselves when no one is watching.
"More focus on strength and conditioning, and general discipline off-court — things like study habits and diet."
For Mei, the confidence to hand her children's development to EAA came down to the people. Coaches who had walked the path themselves as elite players, and who balanced genuine care with the firmness that serious athletes need.
"It was the coaches' experience as elite players, and their caring but firm attitude towards my kids."
The results followed. Elin reached the final / runner-up in Girls' Doubles at U15 Nationals, and the came in 3rd within Mixed Doubles at U17 Nationals.
Nils finished 3rd in Boys' Doubles at U19 Nationals. Both have since progressed into the Senior High Performance program — competing at the level every junior dreams of reaching.
"Very focused, targeted training programs that are well communicated with parents — so we can give the right support outside of training hours."
That partnership — a positive culture inside the academy, transparency with families, and a program that includes the routines off the court as well as on it — is what kept the Wan family at EAA through every level.
"A positive vibe and culture, transparent communication, and a clear program that also builds the routines outside of the badminton court."
— Mei Wan, parent of Nils & Elin, Senior High Performance ProgramWhen Izak and Alexis first walked into Elite Athlete Academy, they were complete beginners. No competitions, no history with the sport — just two kids, aged 9 and 13, picking up a racquet at social sessions for the first time.
"They were very new and just starting out, playing socials. It's good to just have someone to hit with."
For their dad, Jimmy, the goal was never trophies. It was something deeper — health, wellbeing, and confidence that would carry into the rest of their lives.
"I want them to improve through this sport for their health and wellbeing — and to be confident in life."
As the months went on, the change was unmistakable. The same two kids who started out just learning to rally became competitive, engaged, and sure of themselves — progressing all the way into our Junior High Performance program.
"A lot has changed. They're more competitive, more confident, more engaged."
Time off devices. Better health. Kids who are genuinely happy in themselves.
"It brings health and wellbeing for the kids, builds real confidence, and they're happy with themselves. Improving their health is the most important thing — being competitive is a bonus."
His advice to other parents whose child is just starting out is simple, and it captures exactly what EAA is built for:
"Keep going. Getting them off their devices is a bonus, and their health is a huge benefit."
— Jimmy Tran, parent of Izak (9) & Alexis (13), Junior High Performance ProgramIzak & Alexis's story — they started
from scratch and found their confidence
Jimmy Tran • Brand new to badminton → Junior High Performance • Grassroots journey