Doornspijk, Netherlands – Badmintonclub Doornspijk celebrated its 40th anniversary in April 2026, a milestone marked by both pride and concern as membership dwindled to approximately ten active players.
The club, founded in 1986, began when a group of six friends returned from a badminton-filled vacation in Beekbergen and decided to establish a local team. Weekly sessions were held in De Deel, a community space in Doornspijk, where the sport quickly took root.
“We are a friendly club where sport, movement, and fun are central,” said Barry Wensink, reflecting on the club’s founding ethos during the anniversary coverage.
In its early years, membership grew steadily, reaching around 40 players and peaking above 100 during its most active period. Herman de Mots, who joined in 1987 along with several family members, recalled organizing events beyond badminton, including droppings, fox hunts, and Sinterklaas celebrations.
“Those were wonderful times,” de Mots said, emphasizing the club’s role as a social hub in the village.
However, participation began declining after the turn of the century. Coby Krooneman, who started playing as a 16- or 17-year-old in 1985 and later took over leadership responsibilities, noted she had stepped away from the club for several years before returning.
By 2026, the club faced existential challenges. Krooneman described shouldering nearly all administrative duties—chairperson, secretary, treasurer—“against her will,” adding, “But try finding someone else.”
The situation worsened when the club’s membership with Badminton Nederland was terminated, raising fears of dissolution. In response, de Mots took initiative to secure court time independently to retain activities alive.
Badminton Nederland, the national governing body based in the Netherlands, promotes safety, respect, and inclusivity in the sport, working with the Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland to address misconduct and uphold governance standards.
The organization reported in its 2024 annual review that it met the minimum quality standards of the NOC*NSF tool and maintained compliance with the Code for Good Sports Governance.
Despite national efforts to strengthen the sport, grassroots clubs like Doornspijk continue to struggle with retention, particularly in smaller communities where aging populations and shifting leisure habits affect participation.
As of April 26, 2026, the club remains active but operates at a fraction of its former size, sustained by the dedication of a few long-time members committed to preserving its legacy.
Whether Badmintonclub Doornspijk can rebuild its membership remains uncertain, but its 40-year history stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of badminton at the local level.
The club’s next step involves exploring outreach strategies to attract new players, though no formal recruitment campaign has been announced as of this report.
For updates on local badminton initiatives in the Netherlands, interested individuals are encouraged to contact regional sports coordinators or visit the official Badminton Nederland website.
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