BC Portland Youth Season Wrap-Up 2024-2025

Jun 30, 2025

Badminton

BC Portland Wraps Up Youth Season with Thrilling Finals and Star-Studded exhibition

BARENDRECHT – badmintonclub BC Portland concluded it’s youth season on Wednesday, June 25th, with a night of high-flying action, intense competition, and a special appearance from two of the Netherlands’ top badminton talents.Think of it as the badminton equivalent of a minor league baseball team getting a visit from a couple of MLB All-Stars – a huge inspiration for the young athletes.

The evening kicked off with Group 1 players facing their badminton diploma exams. Coaches evaluated their serving skills (both short and long), shuttlecock control, drop shots, and footwork. Like a combine for aspiring NFL players, this was their chance to showcase their hard work. All participants passed with flying colors, but Aiden Liu emerged as the top performer, earning the coveted cup for the highest score of the night. Head Coach Jessy Molier presented each player with their BC Portland badminton diploma, marking a important milestone in their badminton journey.

Groups 2 and 3 then took center stage for the club championships. In group 2’s mixed doubles final, Kitty Junyue and Bram Lakken battled Cem Sezisli and Joep Leek in a thrilling match, ultimately clinching the championship with a score of 21-15. The intensity was palpable, reminiscent of a college basketball tournament game where every point matters.

Group 3 showcased even more nail-biting action.In the girls’ singles final, Floor Konijnendijk van Luna Batenburg triumphed over her opponent with a score of 21-17. Meanwhile, in the boys’ singles final, Ties de Bruijn secured the championship with a decisive 21-7 victory against Raïez Nabie. The boys’ doubles final saw Raïez Nabie and Ryan Shao team up to defeat Ties de Bruijn and Bart van Loenen with a score of 21-18, capping off a night of fierce competition.

But the excitement didn’t stop there. BC Portland invited Lars Kros and David Suguharto,two top players from Drop Shot The Hague,to conduct a special clinic and exhibition match. The young players were actively involved in the training session, soaking up knowledge and skills from the pros. The atmosphere was electric, with kids lining up for autographs and photos with their badminton heroes. It was like a young quarterback getting to meet Patrick Mahomes and learn a few tricks of the trade.

the evening culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing all the talented players and champions. Each participant received a special commemorative clock featuring the club’s logo, a lasting reminder of their achievements. The training staff, including Cees van Leeuwen, Rob Richelle, Ties de Bruijn, Megan and Crystal Shao, Raïez Nabie, and Marcel de Wijk, were also honored for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. They received flowers, a BBQ, and an exclusive BC Portland memory cup as tokens of appreciation for their efforts.

The parents of the young athletes were also recognized for their unwavering support of the club. Their contributions enabled the purchase of new training equipment, including two badminton guns, which will undoubtedly enhance the training experiance for future generations of BC Portland players. This kind of parental involvement is crucial for youth sports, much like booster clubs supporting high school football programs.

The new season is set to begin on Wednesday, September 10th, promising another year of exciting badminton action. For more facts about BC Portland and their programs, visit www.bcportland.nl.