 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
About the Brussels International Badminton ClubThe Brussels International Badminton Club has its roots way back in the 1920’s when a bunch of expats got together to form the Brussels British Community Association. This was a non-profit umbrella organisation acting as a focal point for a diverse range of British interests including education, cultural, religious, political and sports groups. So the British Brussels Badminton Club was born. The Club changed its name to "Brussels International Badminton Club" in 1998 to reflect the diversity of its members. Our roughly 70 members come from all over Europe and other parts of the world: the UK , Ireland , Denmark , Germany , the Netherlands , the US, South East Asia... oh, and Belgium, of course! We are the only English-speaking badminton club that is in the Flemish League with seven (sometimes even more) teams in various divisions. The club also has a good track record in tournaments. It is easy for expats in Brussels to spend most of their working and social lives without taking much notice of the local community. We tend to attract people who want to avoid this through mixing with other nationalities as well as good contacts with the local community through the League. New members and first-time visitors New (prospective) members are always welcome, regardless of their standard. If you want to give our club a try, just show up at one of the sessions, introduce yourself and that's it! The first session is always free. Please check the membership page for more details. Please note that you should bring your own sports equipment and clothes, including training shoes with non-marking soles (indoor trainers) and your own badminton racket (although the Club does have some spare rackets for temporary use). The Club provides plastic shuttles, courts and other players of course! Club mights and training Our club nights are an informal affair, but we usually play one game of doubles and then change partners. We try to mix people around as much as possible, keeping in mind their standard and level of fitness. We have a very friendly atmosphere with plenty of social events in an international environment and players of all levels, from the complete beginner to former internationals. Coaching sessions are also provided. Competitions We offer all our members the opportunity to play at recreational or competitive tournaments and are always happy to take on new team players (subject to their standard and to the team captain's decision). Please contact the match secretary for further information. The BIBC has several mixed, ladies' and men's Teams in the Flemish-Brabant Provincial Badminton leagues. Please click here for a short description of this league and of the modalities determining the individual ranking of players. For more information on the teams (league results, etc.) and on our results at tournaments, please check the competition page. Steve and Heather Memorial Prize The Steve and Heather Prize is awarded every year to the two players (one man, one woman) who won the most points for the club in league matches played with our teams. Each prize winner keeps the trophy for six months. The Prize is awarded in menory of Steve and Heather Cole, two active and well-liked members of the Club who died tragically in a car accident in February 1995. The memorial trophy was presented to the Club by Mr & Mrs Jefcoate (Heather's parents) and Mr & Mrs Cole (Steve's parents) in memory of the couple. For 2006, the Steve and Heather Cole Memorial Prize was awarded to Cathy Tyers and Nessan o'Leary. Merchandise for sale Club T-shirts and polo shirts for with the club logo are for sale at club nights - please contact André. Clothing is available in different sizes and in men’s or ladies’ fit. Feather shuttles, rackets, badminton books and training material and other gear can be obtained from one of the committee members. Social events The Club has an active social agenda with BBQs, Xmas dinners, dancing, bowling, trips to the Ardennes... see the social events page for more info. And on Thursdays and Sundays, we can usually be found in the sports hall’s bar in Wezembeek after training and matches, so there’s plenty of opportunity to socialise… Documentation A club leaflet summarises the most important information about our club. Any other questions If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact a committee member or just ask one of us at club nights – in Waterloo on Tuesdays, or in Wezembeek on Thursdays and Sundays. Acknowledgements Many thanks to Cedric Jacquet for hosting this site. |
