Pop. Bang. Crack. Ping. Boom. Thwack!
Those are the sweet sounds of a shuttlecock meeting a racket in what’s often been called the world’s second most popular sport that’s only growing in popularity.
Leasiders are no strangers to the beauty of this racket game. Since 1959, athletes have been gathering twice a week to compete and form lasting friendships at the Leaside Badminton Club.
Every Tuesday and Thursday night from September to June, the club, which is affiliated with Badminton Ontario, plays at Leaside High School.
Players must be at least 18 to join, and current players range in age right up to their 70s. The club’s membership is capped at 50 to ensure that all have access to a court each night.
While many enthusiasts play badminton in backyards, on the beach or in community recreation centres for fun and exercise, the level of play at the Leaside Club is more in the intermediate range for experienced players.
Club president Anthony Sam notes that while the play is competitive, “everyone has a chance to play, it’s quite informal and everyone has lots of fun. Best of all, the fun extends to post-game get-togethers and club socials in December and May.”
Joseph Madison, who joined the club 22 years, ago comments that “for me, as a younger man, I loved the competitive factor and fun of testing myself against better players.”
Now aged 70 and still competitive, Madison says, ”I appreciate the fact that I have a place to go to, to be physically active and to go home, satisfied that I competed and looking forward to the next play date.”
While the club is a not-for-profit organization, players must try out to be part of the league. Sam notes that players must be strong at the game but also blend with the team’s culture of having a positive presence and good court etiquette.
Interested in joining the Leaside Badminton Club to get in some racket fun? Contact LBC Membership at .
It’s definitely a good racket to get into.
