The Badminton olympique club de Concarneau (BOCC) is expanding its reach, with the club aiming to surpass 150 members by the spring of 2027.
Currently, the organization supports 140 licensed players, marking an increase of approximately 20 participants, as the club continues to integrate new students into its youth badminton school.
This rise in membership spans all age groups, from the youngest beginners to the senior ranks. “We are recording an increase of about twenty players,” said Philippe Le Cam, the club’s co-president.
The surge in local interest aligns with the rising profile of the sport on the international stage.
Le Cam pointed to the performances of French players such as Alex Lanier, currently ranked fifth in the world, and brothers Christo and Toma Junior Popov as key drivers of this popularity.
Thom Gicquel, a world champion in mixed doubles, has also contributed to the sport’s visibility.
“The public can also access matches from their phone,” Le Cam said. “And when we know that it is a discipline that is not publicized, that counts.”
The BOCC currently fields eight senior teams competing across the Régionale 3, Départementale 1, and Départementale 2 leagues. While the club maintains a competitive focus, it emphasizes accessibility for all ages, including players over 70.
Denis Cresaux, 71, is an active participant. Since joining the organization in 2025, Cresaux has competed in his first tournament in mid-October.
“There are several of us in the club over 67 years old,” said Le Cam.
“Those over 50 are well represented, even if the majority of our members are in their thirties.”
To compete more effectively, the club added 24-year-old Damien Pérès to its Régionale 3 squad. Following a relegation from the national level, the team is currently in second place in the championship and remains in contention to reclaim its former standing.
Beyond current league results, the club is investing in the development of future coaches and officials. Gaston Laurin, 13, is preparing to begin an educator training program at 14.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Baptiste Prima, a second-year junior and current volunteer educator, is in his third year of training. Quentin Robin is currently completing training to become a judge-arbiter. “It’s a plus for us, especially since he is also a tournament organizer,” Le Cam said.
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