In the week that it was announced that Dubrovnik will host the 2024 European Senior Championships, we look back earlier this year at when the city was the meeting place for three nations taking part in a BEC Regional Project. 

A training camp was held in Dubrovnik for 17 players and three coaches from Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia in late August. All players were preparing for the European U17 Championships in Slovenia 10 days prior. 

The whole project was organised in a completely new campus of the student centre which opened its doors for sports activities during the summer. The hall was also brand new and only 50 metres away. The conditions were reported to be very good and all participants were satisfied with the accommodation, food and hall. 

A short walk from the campus there was a beach available for enjoying the sea. Apart from daily five-hour trainings the participants enjoyed their surroundings. On the third day, in the afternoon everyone went by boat together to one of the many islands. On the island they drove buggies to the beautiful sandy beach. On their return to Dubrovnik, they had the unique opportunity to see dolphins swimming behind their boat. 

After the fourth day of training, participants visited the famous City Wall in the Old City and one of the restaurants in the historic centre. The players were completely free and could move and socialise throughout the camp. 

After such a positive experience all round, there is the wish to repeat the camp next year in preparation for the European Junior Championships. The idea is to expand the list to five nations of four players each, so that the focus is on the greatest possible quality and diversity. 

Josip Uglešić, Head Coach at the camp was pleased at how things played out. 

-I would like to commend all participants for their effort and commitment throughout the camp. In these difficult times for our sport, it is very important that despite the complete freedom that the players had during the whole camp, none of the players were injured or infected, and they all arrived home happy. Thank you all for participating, also to Badminton Europe and the Croatian Badminton Association for the grant that helped organise the camp.

-I hope to see you next year at the same place.

For more information on Regional Projects, click here.