The Badminton Club de Coutras recently demonstrated strong performance at the Gironde Department Championships, particularly in the adapted badminton competition for athletes with mental or psychological disabilities. Simultaneously, the club is gearing up to host a national-level doubles tournament in April, anticipating a significant turnout and a showcase of the growing popularity of badminton in France.
Adapted Badminton Success in Sainte-Eulalie
The annual Gironde Department Badminton Championships, organized by the Gironde Badminton Committee, included a dedicated adapted badminton event designed to promote inclusivity for athletes with disabilities. This year’s competition took place at the gymnasium in Sainte-Eulalie, alongside the Gironde Veterans Singles Championship. The Coutras club fielded a strong team of 13 players.
Competition was divided into series, with notable results for Coutras athletes. In Series 1, Mickaël Casenave finished ahead of Alexandre Massié. Étienne Grandjean secured a second-place finish in Series 2, behind Pascal Berrié of Union Saint-Bruno Bordeaux. Jean-Marc Broutin (St Bruno) took first place in Series 3, with Virginie Deschamps finishing second. Pascal Marmin claimed the top spot in Series 4, followed by Alison Chatel. Adding to the club’s success, Christophe Rano was crowned champion of Gironde in Series 2 of the Veterans Singles competition.
National Doubles Tournament on the Horizon
The Badminton Club de Coutras is now focused on preparing to host its national-level doubles tournament for adults on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th, at the Complexe Jean-Doursat. Organizers expect approximately 260 players to participate, competing in around 300 matches. The event is free and open to the public, offering an opportunity to experience the excitement of badminton, a sport experiencing increasing success on the international stage for French athletes.
The club has faced challenges with gymnasium availability, currently utilizing the Daniel Narcisse gymnasium at the Complexe Jean-Doursat while the Collège gymnasium undergoes construction. The Collège gymnasium is expected to be available in 2026, which will allow for the resumption of training sessions with coaches holding a Brevet d’État qualification.
Club Operations and Registration
The club resumed its season on September 8, 2025, with registration available on its website. Youth training resumed on Wednesday, September 10th, at the Complexe Jean-Doursat. Sessions are limited to 25 participants per session and led by coach Gilles, assisted by club instructors. A dedicated session for initiated teenagers runs from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, while a session for children and beginners is held on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Competitive teenagers can also join the Saturday session. Priority for youth registration was given to returning players until September 20th, with new players welcome on a space-available basis.
Adults can register and participate in free play starting Monday, September 8th at 7:30 PM at the Complexe Jean-Doursat. Regular adult sessions are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Priority for adult registration was given to returning members until September 30th. Players transferring from other clubs are welcome to register, and new players can strive out sessions on a space-available basis. Players licensed with another club can train with Coutras on Mondays starting at 8:30 PM for a membership fee of 50€.
The Badminton Club de Coutras, established in November 1997, is a registered non-profit association. The club continues to navigate operational complexities related to gymnasium access, but remains committed to providing opportunities for badminton enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
The upcoming national doubles tournament promises to be a highlight for the club and a showcase for the sport of badminton. Fans are encouraged to attend and witness the competition firsthand.
Preserve up with the Badminton Club de Coutras on their website: http://badminton-coutras.fr/ and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Badminton-Club-Coutras/100063509993818/.
