Jayce
As another exciting year comes to a close, the badminton world is evidently brimming with energy and progress. Shaking off the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sport has regained its vigor, hosting numerous events, including those organized by the BEC Development and High Performance teams.
In 2023, Badminton Europe continued its collaboration with members to host various activities. This year, we blended traditional events with innovative ones, aiming to elevate our sport to new heights.
Jacob Oehlenschlaeger, Senior Manager of Development and High Performance, proudly reflected on the past year: “As in previous years, our goal this year was to support and assist our members in development through our many development programs—some of which have been implemented for years and continue to have a profound impact.”
Celebrating Tradition and Innovation
The RSL BEC Summer School is a key event in our calendar and successfully returned to Portugal. The RSL BWF/BEC Coach Education Courses added to this historic event, playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of badminton talent through Level 1, 2, and 3 courses and the Fast Track Level 1+2 courses for professional badminton players or former athletes.
Badminton Europe is committed to promoting cooperation and the exchange of ideas, exemplified by the RSL BEC Regional Projects, which hosted eight projects in seven different countries. The Danish Badminton Training Culture Experience also returned as part of the BEC BASIS Member Exchange Programme, with its second event held in Aarhus. These initiatives not only improved skills but also strengthened connections within our community.
A key aspect of our mission is the “Shuttle Time” program. The tutor/trainer course held in Bischofsgrün, Germany, and the RSL BEC/BWF TRU & ST Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic, were significant milestones in promoting badminton at the grassroots level.
Commitment to Para-Badminton remains crucial. The BEC/BWF Para-Badminton Coach Seminar in Toledo, Spain, and the RSL BEC Para-Badminton Event in Cagliari, Italy, exemplify our dedication to making badminton an inclusive sport for all.
The inaugural event of the ADVANCE European Badminton Coach Education Programme was a huge success, and anticipation is high for the second edition. The World-Class Programme continues to nurture excellence, with events such as the BEC World-Class Junior Training Camp held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, providing valuable new experiences for some of Europe’s top young talents.
April marked the launch of the BEC Development Coffee Break, an engaging new online series that delves into various development and high-performance topics. The series featured guests like BWF Development Manager Erica Khoo and BWF Para-Badminton Specialist/Mentor Dina Abouzeid, offering valuable insights into the sport—you can watch all episodes on YouTube and Badmintoneurope.tv.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As we look ahead to 2024, Oehlenschlaeger expressed excitement: “The Development and High Performance teams are looking forward to a busy 2024, where we will continue to help our members grow.” Stay tuned for more updates on our activities!
