Badminton Ireland has announced the backing of two new sponsors, Ashgrove Renewables and EPS Group, for its popular BadminTEEN programme for 2024.
“BadminTEEN” encourages teenage girls in secondary schools across Ireland to take badminton and establish their own clubs.
This initiative is designed to provide young women with the tools and confidence needed to engage in physical activity, fostering both personal growth and community building through sport.
Physical activity among teenagers, especially girls, is on the decline. Just 65% of girls in secondary school engage in sport—down 94% from primary school—that’s where BadminTEEN comes in.
More Than Traditional Team Sports
There has long been a sense that we need to offer more than the traditional team sports in school and this is a great way of tapping into the facilities being already in place in most school halls, and the set up being quite straightforward.
BadminTEEN focuses on the social and health benefits of badminton, with the programme aspiring to positively impact participants’ overall well-being.
The BadminTEEN initiative will initially launch at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow before being rolled out in selected pilot schools across the country, where students will have the opportunity to learn badminton from qualified coaches, participate in inter-school tournaments and receive the support necessary to start and manage their own school clubs.
It is an approach that encourages regular physical activity and instils essential life skills such as teamwork, organization, and resilience.
Confidence
“BadminTEEN is about more than just playing a sport. It’s about creating a fun yet supportive environment where girls can challenge themselves, discover new talents and gain confidence,” said Enda Lynch, CEO of Badminton Ireland.
“We believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on the girls’ lives, both on and off the court.”
The programme was first revealed at the 2023 Sport for Business Sponsorship Showcase, which this year is on Thursday, October 10th, in Malahide. It went down really well with the brands and agencies present on the day.
Now, it is coming to life through the generous support of two Cork-based companies, Ashgrove Renewables and EPS Group. These companies are committed to giving back to the communities in which they operate and promoting youth development in Cork and around the country.
Ashgrove Renewables, a pioneer in sustainable energy systems and EPS Group, a leading water and wastewater treatment solutions provider, have both recognised the importance of fostering youth engagement in sports.
Both are family businesses with connections to the sport of badminton. Their contributions will ensure that the programme is well-resourced, providing schools with the necessary equipment, coaching, and facilities to make BadminTEEN a thriving success.
“Investing in our youth is investing in our future,” said Shane Murphy, Managing Director of Ashgrove Renewables.
“We are proud to support a programme encouraging young women to embrace physical activity and leadership through such an engaging sport.”
“Supporting BadminTEEN is a natural fit for us,” added Patrick Buckley, Managing Director of EPS Group. “We are committed to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our values of promoting health, well-being and empowerment, as well as supporting local sporting activities”.
Looking Ahead
As BadminTEEN kicks off over the coming academic year, Badminton Ireland plans to expand the initiative across the country, with the long-term vision of making badminton a popular and accessible sport for all young women in Ireland. The programme’s success in Cork and elsewhere will serve as a blueprint for future growth, demonstrating the powerful impact that sport can have in shaping the next generation of leaders.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
