Saint-Chamond Pays du Gier Badminton Club is soaring, boasting nearly 270 members and a robust development plan. Under the keen eye of sylvain Gerbot, the club’s youth and adult performance manager, they’re balancing serious athletic ambition with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Since joining full-time in September 2014, Gerbot, a certified state diplomat since 2006, has infused the club with his passion. My goal is to provide a structured and educational surroundings while maintaining our pleasant spirit,
he shared. With close to 260 members, including a strong contingent of around 100 young athletes, the club is making waves across the region and continues to build its infrastructure to support its notable growth.
First Team Faces New Challenge
On the competitive front, the club fields six mixed teams, spanning from the Pre-National level down to Departmental 3, alongside a dedicated veteran team. The flagship first team, a youthful squad with an average age of 25, has enjoyed a meteoric rise, securing three consecutive promotions.However, following some key player departures, the primary objective for the upcoming season is clear: survival. Gerbot is optimistic, however, hoping for one or two additional reinforcements
to bolster the roster and keep them competitive in a tough division where they’re considered underdogs. The Interclub season kicks off in early October. This demanding league features eight teams, with each club playing two matches every competition weekend and facing each opponent twice throughout the season.It’s a grueling schedule that demands precision, peak physical conditioning, and unwavering teamwork. To prepare,players train twice weekly,supplemented by two dedicated physical conditioning sessions.
A Badminton Academy with Big dreams
Nurturing young talent remains a cornerstone of the club’s mission. Training is meticulously organized by age groups: 3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-13 years, and 14-17 years, designed to smoothly transition young players into the adult competitive scene.The club recently earned the prestigious Elles au Bad
label, a testament to their accomplished initiatives and workshops aimed at boosting female participation, especially among girls aged 7 to 13. The club is committed to making its badminton school a true talent incubator. This season, five young players were identified, with one earning a national-level selection. Another significant achievement comes from Neela Lengue Te, who honed her skills at the club from a young age.After moving to the Andrézieux-Bouthéon Badminton Club last season, she emerged as the 2025 French Cadet Vice-Champion in women’s singles.
A Night to Remember
In a unique twist, the club hosted the inaugural La Nuit du Bad
in 2025. This one-of-a-kind night tournament encouraged players to don fluorescent shuttles, pajamas, and comfort blankets, creating an unforgettable, offbeat, and incredibly fun atmosphere that resonated with both members and curious onlookers. The doubles tournament wrapped up around 4 AM, marking a truly memorable event.
Millennium milestone Tournament
The Saint-Chamond Christmas tournament is a major fixture, drawing nearly 460 players from across France each year. This prestigious event brings together competitors of all skill levels, including several players ranked within the French top 100. it serves as a significant showcase for badminton in the Loire region and further solidifies the club’s national reputation.
