ESA Badminton in Aumale has confirmed the continuation of its activities and the organization of the Corinne Voisard challenge, while officially ending its youth program due to a lack of motivation and rule adherence.
During the 2025 season, the club ceded access to its gymnasium to the ESA Handball team to support the women’s squad during their successful push for promotion to Nationale 3. This scheduling conflict forced the badminton club to postpone the 25th edition of its signature event, the Corinne Voisard Challenge. To compensate for the disruption, the club organized two separate challenges during the season: one in September featuring 26 teams and a second in June with 23 teams. Patrick Druot said that the competitions were held in a “bien sympa” (very friendly) atmosphere.
However, the club faced administrative friction regarding site logistics. Before the tournament, the local town hall informed the club that it would be responsible for securing its own event tent, or “barnum.”
This issue was raised during the club’s general assembly on November 5, attended by first deputy mayor Bruno Eliot and Franck Morelle.
“Il est évident qu’on ne peut pas fonctionner comme ça” (It is obvious that we cannot operate like this), Eliot stated. Morelle added that the municipality must find an operational model that does not penalize local clubs.
The most significant change for the new season is the end of the club’s dedicated youth training slot. Last season, ESA Badminton supported 50 total members, including 18 young athletes enrolled in an academy labeled by the French Badminton Federation.
The club president announced the decision to cancel the youth program, citing a lack of motivation among the younger members and a failure to adhere to club rules. Despite the reduction in programming, the organization confirmed it will continue its primary activities.
ESA Badminton is currently moving forward with plans for the 22nd Corinne Voisard Challenge, though a specific date has not yet been set. Members also intend to participate in various external tournaments and are currently working on a project to renew the club’s official jerseys. The club remains active in the local sporting community, having participated in the annual forum of associations at the start of the season.
Worth a look
