The French Badminton Federation (FFBaD) has launched its inaugural “Club des 300” program, a specialized initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of female leaders within the sport. Following an open call for applications, the federation selected 20 participants from diverse professional and geographic backgrounds to undergo an eight-month leadership development curriculum.
Launching the program in Paris
The program officially commenced on October 22 in Paris, marking the first time the FFBaD has deployed its own version of the “Club des 300” framework, a broader initiative supported by the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF). The kickoff event served as an introduction to the training path for the 20 selected women, who aim to increase their involvement in the governance and associative life of French badminton.
The morning session featured a roundtable discussion with four established leaders in the sports movement: Magali Godin, President of the FFBaD High Council; Pauline Millot, President of the Codep 84 badminton committee; Patricia Corti, Vice-President of the FFBaD for community integration; and Marie-Françoise Potereau, Vice-President of the CNOSF, who oversees volunteering, training, and the feminization of sports governance. The group discussed personal leadership journeys and the practical opportunities for women within the national federation.
Immersion at the Yonex French Open
Following the formal discussions, the participants moved to the Yonex Internationaux de France de Badminton. This afternoon session provided an immersion into the operational side of one of the sport’s major international competitions. The event allowed the cohort to observe high-level competition and explore the logistical coordination required to host an international tournament.
Structure of the eight-month leadership curriculum
The program is designed to bridge the gap between interest in leadership and active participation in federal governance. Over the next eight months, the 20 participants will engage in a structured, multi-format training program that includes:
- Nine e-learning training modules.
- Seven thematic webinars covering sports ecosystems, project management, financial oversight, communication, and public speaking.
- Expert-led conferences on specific governance challenges.
- Co-development workshops focused on peer-to-peer mentoring and shared problem-solving.
By providing these resources, the FFBaD intends to build a sustainable network of female leaders, ensuring that the federation’s governance reflects a broader range of perspectives. The program focuses on both individual skill acquisition and the creation of a collective dynamic that encourages women to take on responsibilities at all levels of the federal hierarchy.
Future goals for federation governance
The FFBaD identified the feminization of its governance as a strategic priority, positioning this first promotion as the initial step in a long-term plan to increase female representation in decision-making roles. The federation expects to track the progress of these 20 participants throughout the coming months as they integrate their new skills into their respective local and regional badminton organizations.
