THE success story of a Bolton junior sports' league could have an unhappy ending.

The future of the Bolton-le-Moors Junior Badminton League -- which has taught scores of youngsters the sport and produced county and England players -- is under threat.

Now, organisers are appealing for volunteers to help. And there is a subsidised day-long Leader's Course on offer to boost the sport locally, and ensure that the Junior League can continue.

The League started five years ago, based at Harper Green Leisure Centre, Farnworth, and run by players from the adult Bolton Badminton League.

Its combination of coaching and competitive play for local girls and boys aged from nine to 16 years has involved around 100 youngsters, feeding the adult league with new members.

Several juniors now play at county level and some, like 13 year-old Tom Dunlop of Bury, have represented their country.

Each season, the amount of interest from local children wanting to play has increased. But .... a question mark now hangs over the League's future because there aren't enough adults to help organise its Thursday evening fixtures.

As Carol James, one of the League founders, explained:" "We urgently need help managing teams, organising fixtures, supporting the children, scoring matches and coaching at clubs.

"Volunteers don't have to have played badminton -- although, of course, former and present players are very welcome. More important is a willingness to help, if only for a short time each week."

As part of its current development of badminton, Bolton Metro Leisure has arranged a Leaders' Course with the Badminton Association of England.

It takes place at Harper Green Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 21 and will only cost £5 instead of £27 for the day, thanks to financial backing from Bolton Metro.

The course offers a unique opportunity for a first-step coaching qualification, and it should provide more adult volunteers to aid the Junior League.

Badminton is high-profile in Bolton currently. The Junior League's president Chris Hunt --born and bred in Bolton -- is currently in Sydney in the England Olympic badminton team.

And the new Arena at Middlebrook will be the venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games' badminton competition.

Places on the Leader's Course are limited, and available on a first-come first-served basis by contacting assistant sports development officer Susan Woodham on 01204-334025.

"We hope that a variety of people will come forward," added Carol. "It's important for the future of badminton here, and to allow local children to continue enjoying sport."

And in the meantime, organisers will kick off the current season for the Junior League on October 5 -- hoping that help will be forthcoming to ensure they continue.

Caption 1: Early days: Neil Flanagan, chairman of the Bolton-le-Moors Junior Badminton League, coaches a youngster at the launch of the League in 1995.

Caption 2: The Junior League has given scores of local youngsters coaching and the experience of competition, like this team from Harper Green.