Badminton Ireland Overview

Badminton Ireland is the sport's governing body of badminton (NGB) for all 32 counties in Ireland.  We work with the four Branches and other external sports agencies such as Irish Sports Council, Sport NI, Irish Institute of Sport, Coaching Ireland and the Local Sports Partnership network on the development of the sport.

The Badminton Union of Ireland was founded in 1899. The first badminton international ever was played in 1903 between Ireland and England. It was a founding member of the International Badminton Federation in 1934.

In 2000 Sonya McGinn ranked 50th in the world qualified for the Sydney Olympics. This was followed by Scott Evans and Chloe Magee’s qualification for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Our office is based in the Baldoyle Badminton Centre in Dublin 13.

Badminton Ireland's work includes:-

- Strategically planning the promotion and development of badminton in Ireland
- Developing programmes to foster increased participation in schools and clubs
- Management, continuous education and certification of the Coaching network in Ireland
- Organisation of various International, National & inter County Competitions
- Funding and assisting players to excel in International competition
  (Irish players currently compete on the European tour, World Championships & Olympic Games)

Badminton Ireland is administered by a National Board which is made up of nominated voluntary representatives from the 4 branches and others from the badminton community. The Badminton Ireland team is made up of a Membership coordinator, Participation coordinator, Events officer, National coach and Coaching Officer who ensure exceptional delivery of services to its members. There are many valuable volunteer 'working groups' who also assist in the administration of our sport. Please see our organisational chart for more information.

Currently there are over 13,475 affiliated members from 427 active clubs in Ireland. This figure does not include the numbers of young people playing badminton in primary and secondary schools nor the social players around the country which is estimated at 100,000.

Badminton Ireland receives funding from the Irish Sports Council which helps to cover our activities. The Ulster Branch receives funding from Sport NI to assist their development.

  • Members affiliate to Badminton Ireland for a number of reasons including; 
  • To personally contribute to the general growth and development of the sport of their choice, 'Badminton' in Ireland
  • Participation within the extensive competition structure in Ireland
  • Membership benefits from Badminton Ireland partners
  • Club benefits via BI Clubmark
  • Technical development via the ‘Teicnic Badminton Programme’
  • Regular communications to members via
  • Badminton Ireland Office
  • Online streaming channel ‘Badminton Ireland TV’
  • Club website templates and hosting
  • E-mail alerts
  • The Badminton Ireland Insurance Scheme, covering both for Personal Accident and Public Liability
  • High Performance pathway