Badminton’s Belgian Revival: How High Five vzw & UiTinVlaanderen Are Keeping the Sport Alive in Diest
While padel and pickleball dominate global headlines, badminton’s future in Belgium hangs on the efforts of organizations like High Five vzw and UiTinVlaanderen in the city of Diest. These clubs aren’t just preserving the sport—they’re reimagining it. With youth programs, adaptive training, and a relentless focus on accessibility, they’re proving badminton can thrive even as other racquet sports steal the spotlight.
Why Badminton Matters in a Padel-Dominated Era
Badminton’s Olympic pedigree and technical depth make it a standout among racquet sports. Yet, as recent trends show, padel and pickleball have surged in popularity due to their social appeal and lower barriers to entry. In Belgium, where padel courts are popping up faster than shuttlecock feathers in a gale, badminton clubs face an uphill battle—but not an impossible one.
Enter High Five vzw, a non-profit organization dedicated to making badminton inclusive and fun for all ages, and UiTinVlaanderen, a local Diest-based club with a history of nurturing talent. Together, they’re crafting a blueprint for badminton’s next chapter in Flanders.
High Five vzw: Where Badminton Meets Community
High Five vzw isn’t just another badminton club—it’s a movement. Founded in 2018, the organization has redefined how the sport is experienced in Belgium by prioritizing accessibility, innovation, and community engagement. Their approach is simple: make badminton fun before making it competitive.
“We’re not just teaching people to play badminton—we’re teaching them to love the game. If they don’t enjoy it, they won’t stick with it.”
Key Initiatives Driving Growth
- Youth Programs: High Five’s Shuttle Stars initiative introduces badminton to children as young as five, using colorful shuttlecocks and mini-courts to keep them engaged. The program has grown from 12 participants in 2019 to over 200 in 2026.
- Adaptive Badminton: Partnering with Belgian disability sports organizations, High Five offers modified badminton for athletes with mobility challenges, using lighter rackets and seated play options.
- Social Events: From beach badminton tournaments in Ostend to mixed-gender doubles nights in Antwerp, High Five ensures the sport feels inclusive and lively.
UiTinVlaanderen: Diest’s Badminton Powerhouse
Just 30 kilometers east of Brussels, the city of Diest has become a hub for badminton in Flanders, thanks in large part to UiTinVlaanderen. Unlike many clubs that focus solely on elite training, UiTinVlaanderen balances competitive development with grassroots outreach, ensuring the sport remains vibrant at all levels.
The club’s Open Door Policy allows walk-ins to join training sessions, and their partnership with local schools has seen badminton integrated into physical education curricula. In 2025, UiTinVlaanderen hosted the Flemish Junior Championships, drawing over 1,200 participants—a record for the region.
UiTinVlaanderen by the Numbers
| Metric | 2023 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Members | 450 | 780 |
| Youth Participants (Under 18) | 180 | 420 |
| Senior Training Sessions/Week | 12 | 22 |
| Tournaments Hosted | 8 | 15 |
Source: UiTinVlaanderen annual reports
Defying the Padel Hype: Badminton’s Belgian Strategy
So how are these clubs competing against padel’s rise? The answer lies in three key strategies:
1. Cost-Effective Courts
Unlike padel, which requires glass-walled courts, badminton can be played on any flat surface—a school gym, a park, or even a backyard. High Five vzw has partnered with municipalities to install modular badminton courts in public spaces, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure.
2. Speed and Skill
As the world’s fastest racquet sport, badminton offers a thrilling, high-intensity experience that padel and pickleball struggle to match. Clubs like UiTinVlaanderen emphasize speed training, using technology like smart shuttlecocks that track serve velocity and accuracy.
3. Grassroots Networking
High Five and UiTinVlaanderen collaborate with Belgian badminton’s governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), to host regional clinics and coach certification programs. In 2025, they co-sponsored the Flanders Badminton Festival, which drew over 5,000 attendees.
Badminton’s Global Fight for Relevance
While Belgian clubs innovate, badminton faces global challenges. A 2024 Reddit thread highlighted concerns about funding and interest lagging behind padel and pickleball. Yet, the sport’s Olympic status and technical depth ensure it remains a powerhouse in Asia and Europe.
In Belgium, the focus is on localized growth. High Five’s Badminton Ambassadors program trains community leaders to promote the sport in schools and workplaces, while UiTinVlaanderen’s Corporate Challenges bring teams from companies like ING and Colruyt to their courts.
The Future: Diest as a Model for Flanders
With High Five vzw and UiTinVlaanderen leading the charge, Diest is poised to become a model for badminton’s revival in Belgium. Their success hinges on three upcoming milestones:
- June 15–17, 2026: The First Belgian Badminton Expo in Diest, featuring demos, gear discounts, and pro player Q&As.
- August 2026: Launch of a National Badminton Pass, offering discounted court access across Flanders.
- 2027: Bid to host the European Junior Championships, pending BWF approval.
For now, the message is clear: badminton isn’t just surviving in Belgium—it’s evolving. And in Diest, the future looks bright.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a player, coach, or simply curious about badminton’s Belgian renaissance, here’s how to join the movement:
- Visit BWF’s Find a Club tool to locate badminton near you.
- Follow High Five vzw on Instagram for event updates.
- Contact UiTinVlaanderen to join their Open Door Training sessions.
Share your badminton stories in the comments—how is your local club adapting to the rise of padel and pickleball?
