Saint-Marcel, France – Forty-five young badminton players from across the Saône-et-Loire department gathered this past Sunday, March 8th, for a departmental RDJ tournament hosted by the Badminton Club de Saint-Marcel at the Dojo Novak. The event showcased the growing enthusiasm for the sport among youth in the region.
Representing their clubs were young athletes from Épinac, Couches, Blanzy, Chalon sur Saône, and, of course, Saint-Marcel. The Saint-Marcel club itself boasts a dynamic youth program with approximately 40 licensed young players, over half of whom participated in Sunday’s competition. This demonstrates a strong commitment to developing the next generation of badminton talent in the area.
The day began at 9:30 AM with a collective warm-up session led by young assistant coaches from Saint-Marcel: Tristan, Mathieu, Timothé, and Justine. Their involvement signals a promising future for coaching within the club. Competitive matches commenced at 10:00 AM and continued until 4:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for the young players to test their skills, and sportsmanship.
The Badminton Club de Saint-Marcel (BCSM 71), affiliated with the French Badminton Federation (FFBAD), is recognized as an Ecole Française de Badminton 2, a testament to its commitment to quality coaching and player development. The club’s website details its dedication to inclusivity, welcoming players of all levels from age 10 and up. The club also accepts the Pass’Sport, a French government initiative to support sports participation.
The tournament wasn’t just about competition; it was also about community. The event concluded with a traditional goûter (snack) provided by the Saint-Marcel club, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the young athletes. This emphasis on social interaction alongside athletic development is a hallmark of the BCSM 71’s approach.
The Badminton Club de Saint-Marcel has been actively involved in recent events. Just weeks prior, on February 21st and 22nd, the club hosted the final day of the departmental inter-club competition at the COSEC, according to info-chalon.com. This demonstrates the club’s consistent role in organizing and hosting badminton events within the Saône-et-Loire department.
Looking ahead, the Badminton Epinac Club (BEC) is also planning events. A post on their Facebook page from March 18, 2025, announced their invitation to the Festi’bad, the third stage of the 2024/2025 season, scheduled for April 6th at the Dojo Nowak. More details can be found on the BEC’s Facebook page.
The success of this weekend’s RDJ tournament, coupled with the ongoing activities of clubs like Saint-Marcel and Épinac, points to a vibrant and growing badminton community in the Saône-et-Loire department. The dedication of coaches and volunteers, combined with the enthusiasm of young players, ensures a bright future for the sport in the region.
The Badminton Club de Saint-Marcel is currently accepting registrations and discovery sessions for adults on Mondays and Wednesdays, with limited spaces available. Youth registrations for the 2025-2026 season are currently full.
What’s Next: The Badminton Epinac Club’s Festi’bad event on April 6th at the Dojo Nowak will be the next major event for young badminton players in the region. Keep an eye on the clubs’ respective websites and social media pages for updates and further information.
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