Jayce
As part of the BEC BASIS Member Exchange Program, 15 coaches from across Europe had the opportunity to experience and learn about Danish training culture firsthand.
Denmark, a small country at the southern end of the Scandinavian Peninsula with a population of nearly 5 million, is one of Europe’s strongest badminton nations. The question of whether there is a secret to their success has intrigued many European coaches, which is why the European Badminton Confederation (BEC) BASIS Member Exchange Program organized this immersive experience for the second consecutive year.
The program aims to facilitate knowledge exchange on specific topics among its members. This time, 15 coaches from 11 different European countries spent two days exploring Danish badminton culture through club and regional levels, including a visit to the regional elite training center in Aarhus.
Jeroen van Dijk, BEC Development and High Performance Manager, was highly satisfied with the event and the feedback from participants. “The two days were very enriching, and we gained valuable insights into Danish badminton training culture. Many participants found the setups relatable and came away with beneficial insights to bring back to their countries.”
On the first day, the coaches attended a training session at Viby Badminton Club, where Youth Head Coach Jesper Faueskov shared key elements for keeping kids motivated and engaged, as well as the club’s mission and values. “We work hard every day to build this culture. Everyone helps and participates. Making players fall in love with badminton is crucial, and adding fun elements is key to bringing them back.”
The second day began with morning training at the Regional Elite Training Center, which is a hub for Danish athletes, often from the Jutland Peninsula, before they proceed to the Danish National Elite Training Center in Brøndby.
The activities included observing morning training sessions of Denmark’s top badminton players, followed by a presentation by Head Coach Sven Åge Sørensen on the Danish training system, with opportunities for questions. “The most important aspect is collaboration with clubs. We maintain good communication with coaches, discussing everything—strategic issues, motivation, player development. We create an environment where everyone works towards the same goals,” Sørensen said.
As the second session of the day, Kenneth Larsen introduced different learning methods to the coaches. The visit also featured Denmark’s second-largest club, Højberg Badminton Club, which showcased its top-notch facilities and engaged in an insightful discussion with Sports Director Michael Kjeldsen and player Karan Rajarajan. Rajarajan shared his experiences as a club athlete, rounding off the thought-provoking experience.
The work, however, is not finished. Participants are now set to return home, drawing inspiration from the key elements of Danish training culture to incorporate new ideas into their systems.
Van Dijk extended his gratitude to all who contributed to this enriching Danish badminton journey. “We sincerely thank all the guests who guided us through this vibrant exploration of Danish badminton, opening their doors and offering us a deep understanding of the club structure in Denmark.”
