It has been a historic few days in Kyiv. Having just hosted the European Championships, the Ukrainian city will not just be the host of such a big and important event this year, but also of a course that is so relevant to our sports community. 

Organised by Badminton Europe, the Shuttle Time courses are an essential part of the sport and therefore it is a priority to implement such programmes. Europe’s badminton governing body aims at making the sport accessible to anyone, and a great way to do so is by starting at schools where the future generations grow and learn. 

It is an investment in the future and an enriching experience for the tutors from all over Europe that will be taking part in the course that will take place for two and a half days. Sharing knowledge and providing further training to tutors is at the centre of this initiative, and Badminton Europe’s Development & High Performance Senior Manager Jacob Oehlenschlaeger explains what the priorities will be.

 -We make sure that participants get new knowledge that they will take back to their own countries. It will result in getting more young players into the badminton system, Oehlenschlaeger said.

The course paves the way for better-prepared tutors that will in consequence share all new knowledge and experiences to teachers, the same teachers who will transmit invaluable knowledge to the younger generations. With 13 participants from five different members — Azerbaijan, France, Italy, Kosovo, and Ukraine — it will certainly have a powerful impact and will be a huge asset for all participants in the course and their countries. All efforts from Badminton Europe and the Member Associations have been crucial for Shuttle Time to happen.

-It is great that we deliver the course and that there has been support from the members, Oehlenschlaeger stated.

The COVID-19 pandemic is certainly making things difficult for everyone, and this is something those in charge of preparing a programme such as Shuttle Time know well. There are many things to consider to deliver the course as expected while keeping in mind all measures needed in times of the pandemic, but everything is set to welcome the 13 participants.

-It is not easy in these times, but we are very pleased that we can deliver this course during this pandemic. We have been waiting some months to deliver educational activities. The initial plan was to deliver it in May, so everything is going according to plan, and it is good that we will have 13 participants, Oehlenschlaeger explained.

There has been a lot of uncertainty due to the pandemic, so the fact that Shuttle Time is happening is a reason to celebrate. There are many people to thank for this, but also to the hosts that have been so busy this year. Ukraine has just hosted a successful European Championships, and they will now be hosting the Shuttle Time tutor/trainer course at the Kyiv Racket Sports Club, a centre boasting brand new facilities.

-We’re pleased to go back to Ukraine where we have just delivered the European Championships, Oehlenschlaeger said.

Read more on Shuttle Time here.