Waalwijk, Netherlands – The annual badminton championships of FST Waalwijk took place this past Saturday, March 21st, at Sporthal De Slagen, drawing a diverse field of competitors ranging in age from nine to seventy-three. The tournament marked the first time players competed wearing the club’s recent shirts, adding a festive atmosphere to the day.
Throughout the tournament, spirited matches were played across singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories. Organizers and coaches were particularly pleased with the visible progress made by the youth players over the past year, a testament to the club’s development programs.
Singles Results
The following players emerged victorious in the singles competitions:
- Youth Men’s Singles: 1. Tim Hendriks, 2. Semmy van der Velden
- Youth/Senior Singles: 1. Sonam Kamp, 2. Lotte Kraneveld
- Senior Men’s Singles: 1. Erwolt Pullens, 2. Vincent Bensink
Doubles Results
Competitive play extended to the doubles categories as well:
- Youth Doubles: 1. Fenne Hendriks & Juul Kuijs, 2. Tom Smits & Natan Kulaga
- Senior Women’s Doubles: 1. Sheng Huang & Claudia van de Velden
- Senior Men’s Doubles: 1. Christ Daamen & Marcel van de Laar
- Senior Mixed Doubles: 1. Sheng Huang & Claudia van der Velden
Jan van Wees Trophy Awarded
In a tradition that highlights the club’s commitment to youth development, the Jan van Wees Trophy was presented at the end of the day. This award recognizes a young player who demonstrates dedication, enthusiasm, and significant improvement. This year’s recipient was Roan Krete, who quickly impressed coaches and teammates with his positive attitude and rapid progress despite being a relatively new member of the club.
FST Waalwijk, a badminton club with over 200 members, emphasizes sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a balance between performance and enjoyment. The club offers training and playing opportunities for all skill levels, making badminton accessible to everyone in the Langstraat region. The club’s success is built on a diverse membership that fosters a welcoming environment for both recreational and competitive players.
The club is also actively involved in regional competitions. According to information from BC Vitesse, FST Waalwijk participates in the midweek competition alongside Shot Dongen and BC Tilburg.
Looking ahead, FST Waalwijk is preparing to host the Waalwijkse Open Kampioenschappen on May 10, 2026, at Sporthal De Slagen. Details about the open championships are available on the club’s website.
FST Waalwijk views this year’s club championships as a resounding success, reflecting a well-organized and spirited day of badminton. The club continues to build a strong community where players of all ages and abilities can thrive.