Royal City Badminton Club History

The Royal City Badminton Club started around 30 years ago. It was a small group of tournament players who were looking to play more through the week. As time went on things evolved and became a little more organized.

The following are some interesting events in the clubs history:

Year
Notes

1975
Formed with 10 to 15 members. Played at Armories, Westwood school, Centennial and College Heights Highschools

1984
First newsletter handed out, about 40 adult members, fee of $30.00.

1985
Juniors allowed to play ages 15 to 18 years at a fee of $20.00.

First coaching clinic by Norm Buck.

1986
Children as young as 10 first allowed to play on selected evenings.

1989/90
Held first club championships at season end.

1989/96
Ran inter-league mini league with Cambridge, Kitchener, Erin, Elora and Guelph.

1990/91
Changed from Monday and Tuesdays to Mondays and Fridays.

1994/95
Adult fee $35.00, pay as you play fee $3.00 with 73 members.

1994
3 club members receive Level 1 NCCP coaching certification.

1996
10 club juniors make it to District 10, 5 move to CWOSSA. Ladies junior doubles place 1st and 4th at CWOSSA.

1998/99
Designate court supervisors.

1999
Centennial Community Badminton Club merges with R.C.B.C and continues on Wednesday evening for adults only. Junior and adult play only.

2000
Guelph Badminton Club merges with R.C.B.C and moves to Centennial Highschool on Tuesday evening. Junior and adult play only.

2001
Membership hits 109.

2002/03
School board imposes 741% increase in court fees. Membership fees rise to $110.00/adult. Membership drops to 94. Club tournaments brought back after several years absence.

2003/04
Membership continues to drop and hits 74. Club tournaments continue.

2004/05
Web site goes live Aug 10, 2004.

Fees rise to $125.00 and membership drops to 62. Club tournaments increase to 3 per season. Club championships reintroduced after 10 year absence.

2005/06
After several years of protest, some relief in gym usage fees was achieved. Membership fees drop approx. 28%. Membership hits 94. Our first summer adult badminton play was organized by George Spence and held at the Evergreen Centre. Also, our first students badminton summer skills camp was organized by Jeff Millard.

The existence of an organization is there only but for the commitment of a few who care. The Royal City Badminton Club owes its' existence to several such people.