After a week of learning, development and international friendships, the 2026 RSL BEC Summer School has come to an end in Vejen, Denmark.

This year's edition brought together 64 players from 24 different countries, supported by a coaching team of 10 coaches. Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to improve their badminton skills, learn from experienced coaches and cooperate and build friendships with fellow players from across Europe.

According to Head Coach Eefje Besselink of the Netherlands, the camp placed a strong emphasis on helping players become more engaged in their own learning process.

"This year we worked a lot on tactical skills on court. We also focused on communities of practice, where players learned from each other, worked together and learned how to provide feedback to one another," Besselink explained.

A key objective throughout the week was to connect the different training sessions and encourage players to take ownership of their future development.

"Players were working towards a goal to take home. Every player should leave with a plan for what they want to work on when they return home. We want them to go back to their coaches and say: 'This is what I want to learn next year'," she said.

The Summer School programme was not only about improving technical and tactical abilities. Players were encouraged to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from one another, creating an environment where development extended beyond the badminton court.

Alongside the Summer School, Vejen also hosted a BWF Coach Education Level 2 course, further strengthening the event's focus on badminton development.

As the participants now return home, they do so not only with new experiences and international friendships, but also with a clearer understanding of their future development goals.

The 2026 RSL BEC Summer School may have come to an end, but the lessons learned in Vejen will continue to shape the next chapter of many young players' badminton journeys.