Badminton Europe’s chairman for Sport for All, Jean-Marc Sertafy, and Senior Manager, Michael Nørbæk, visited the Regional Project in Aire-sur-la-Lys, France.
Badminton Europe normally supports ten Regional Projects per year, but for 2019, 12 projects have already been confirmed. Most of them will be getting underway during the summer, but the first one took already place in France last weekend.
Four teams, one goal: developing badminton
The project in France is a traditional one, as it has been going on for several years now. This year, four countries participated in the event. Next to the host country, France, Belgium, Denmark and Finland have also been part of this Regional Project.
The former Chinese-born Women’s Singles player for France, Pi Hongyan, was one of the head coaches. The Regional Project in France is, in fact, a Girl’s Camp for U-15 and U-17 players.
Europe practising together in Air-sur-la-Lys (Credit: Badminton Europe)
Badminton Europe on site
For the first time, Badminton Europe was represented by a Senior Manager. Michael Nørbæk, as well as Badminton Europe’s Sports for All chairman, Jean-Marc Sertafy, made a site visit in Aire-sur-la-Lys.
“It was a pleasure to see the whole coaching team supporting the young girls. I was happy to be on site with Michael because we can improve the concept now, together with the stakeholders – for the Regional Projects and the Girl’s Camps,” Sertafy said.
“There is always space for improvements, and we are always looking for the best. The feedback from the coaches of France, Belgium, Denmark and Finland regarding the Regional Projects and the Girl’s Camp will be included in our Strategic Plan,” he added.
“We aim for countries to meet, share and practise together. For the future, we want to encourage our Member Associations with more specific and categorised suggestions as well as sparring,” the Chairman continued.
Strong team in France
For Nørbæk, the first Regional Project of the Year has been a success.
“I met the strong team around the Girl’s Camp in France as well as the host in Aire-sur-la-Lys. Hopefully, we will have more co-operations in the future. They offer great facilities and a strong commitment,” he said.
“We encourage our countries, coaches and players to meet and share their knowledge by practising together. ‘Nobody can do it alone, but together we can do it’ – is one of our philosophies. We work hard for that, for example by supporting the Regional Projects.”
For more information regarding the Regional Projects and the Girl’s Camp, contact Badminton Europe’s Senior Manager, Michael Nørbæk: michael.noerbaek@badmintoneurope.com