National Badminton League: Peter Mills named MK Badminton captain

MK Badminton have announced that double Commonwealth games medallist Peter Mills will captain the team in the new NBL.

Mills, 26, won a silver and a bronze medal in Glasgow over the summer and is now relishing the task of leading a young Milton Keynes side when they get their campaign underway against Surrey Smashers in October.

“It’s been an incredible few weeks for me personally," Mills said. “Being named as MK Badminton’s first ever team captain for the NBL is a huge honour.  It took me by surprise but it is an absolute privilege and now I cannot wait for the match-nights to start.”

Mills' responsibility as captain is made greater still given that he is one of just two players in the 10-strong squad over the age of 24 with five of MK Badminton's number still under 19. However, Mills is unfazed by having to assume the role of senior professional.

“The coaching team have put together a very talented, young squad and I fully intend to use all my international experience to inspire these players right throughout the season," he added.

“We have a lot of rising stars who will be desperate to make a name for themselves which is a great state for English badminton to be in”. 

MK Badminton open their NBL title challenge with a home tie against Surrey Smashers. The match will be the first ever NBL fixture to be broadcast live on Sky Sports on 6 October.