Badminton Europe was supporting a training camp for under 17 players which took place last week in Presov, Slovakia. 24 Players and 3 coaches from Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia have trained together. The players spent three days together in training before competing in a team tournament at the weekend.

The camp gave an ideal opportunity for different training and matches between the three countries. National coaches from the three participating nations led the trainings, which also gave an opportunity for the coaches to discuss best practice and learning from each other. Coaches in this activity were able to share their knowledge and experience with the aspiring junior players.

The players have been working on defence and attack, speed work, tactical work and consistency, both in singles and doubles play. It is hoped that by training together in this environment it will help these nations in their preparation for this year European U17 Championships taking place in Medvode, Slovenia in November 2009.

Teams from Austria, Czech Republic and Poland also entered the tournament taking place last Saturday and Sunday. So finaly 8 teams from 6 countries competed together in U17 team tournament. The winner was team Austria 1, with Czech Republic as runner-up and Austria 2 taking third place.

1. Austria 1
2. Czech Republic
3. Austria 2
4. Slovakia 1
5. Poland
6. Hungary
7. Slovakia 2
8. Croatia